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Ciprofloxacin vs. levofloxacin for prophylaxis in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Rambaran KA, Seifert CF

Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, 2019

151 participants · 7 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infection is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing myleosuppressive therapy with the risk of infection being heightened during the neutropenic phase. Fluoroquinolones are most often utilized as prophylaxis, specifically levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin; however, there is increasing resistance among these agents. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin when used prophylactically in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study conducted at a 443-bed tertiary teaching county hospital from 1 January 2005 to 31 September 2016.

METHODS: Patients aged 18-89 who were admitted and received levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were evaluated.

RESULTS: The patient population (N = 151) was predominantly male (93 vs. 58) and the median (IQR) age was 57 (20.1) years. There were 108 patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared to 43 undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Significantly fewer patients who received levofloxacin (11/43, 25.6%) developed neutropenic fever compared to patients who received ciprofloxacin (61/108, 56.5%, p = 0.0006). Also there were significantly more positive blood cultures in the ciprofloxacin group (36/108, 33.3%) compared to the levofloxacin group (4/43, 9.3%); the majority of which were Gram-positive organisms (p = 0.0025).…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 151 participants or records.

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