Ceftazidime and amikacin as empiric treatment of febrile episodes in neutropenic patients in Saudi Arabia

Summary Sixty-four consecutive febrile episodes in 50 consecutive patients with malignancy and neutropenia were empirically treated with a combination of ceftazidime and amikacin. Of 52 analysable episodes, the response rate was 59·6 % overall and 26·3 % of episodes with microbiologically documented infections with septicaemia. Infection-related death occurred in io patients (19·2 % of episodes). The response rates were similar in patients with acute leukaemia or other malignancies. Poor response is attributed to increased frequency of infections with Gram-positive and fungal organisms. A modified empiric regimen including cover for Gram-positive and fungal organisms is suggested in similar patient populations.