Levofloxacin prophylaxis in pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a literature review

Abstract

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children and young adults receiving chemotherapy for malignancy or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly used to decrease the risk of BSI; however, antibiotics carry an inherent risk of complications. The aim of this manuscript is to review levofloxacin prophylaxis in pediatric oncology patients and HSCT recipients. We reviewed published literature on levofloxacin prophylaxis to prevent BSI in pediatric oncology patients and HSCT recipients. Nine manuscripts were identified. The use of levofloxacin is indicated in neutropenic children and young adults receiving intensive chemotherapy for leukemia or undergoing HSCT. These results support the efficacy of levofloxacin in pediatric patients with leukemia receiving intensive chemotherapy and should be considered in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT prior to engraftment.

Keywords:

• Blood stream infection
• levofloxacin
• pediatric bone marrow transplant
• pediatric cancer
• prophylaxis

Disclosure statement

The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.