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Randomised Comparison Of Oral Ofloxacin Alone With Combination Of Parenteral Antibiotics In Neutropenic Febrile Patients, I A. Malik, Z Abbas, M Karim

Section of Gastroenterology

Prompt treatment with empirical antibiotics in neutropenic febrile patients reduces morbidity and mortality. Most patients have been treated with parenteral combination antibiotics, but newer antibiotics with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity have made monotherapy feasible. Ofloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone, has the additional advantage that bactericidal concentrations can be achieved with oral administration. We have compared ofloxacin as an oral single agent with standard parenteral combination antibiotics for the management of neutropenic febrile patients in a prospective, randomised trial. Patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count less than or equal to 0.5 x 10(9)/l), fever above 38 degrees C, and ability to take …