Urokinase in the treatment of bacteremia and candidemia in patients with right atrial catheters.

Background: Urokinase plasminogen activator was used in combination with antibiotic therapy given through the catheter to improve the treatment of right atrial catheter infections.

Methods: One hundred fifty-four episodes of bacteremia and candidemia occurring in 97 children with malignant or hematologic conditions were treated. After 24 hours of antibiotic therapy, 1 ml urokinase (5000 units/ml) was instilled, dwelling 1 hour, and then removed; this was repeated within 24 hours.

Infection risk factors in febrile, neutropenic children and adolescents.

We studied 276 fever episodes with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 500/mm3 to determine patient characteristics predicting serious infection. Infections occurred in 38% of patients. Blood cultures were positive in 58% of documented infections.

The knowledge and attitudes of experience oncology nurses regarding the management of cancer-related pain.

Purpose/objectives: To describe the knowledge and attitudes of North Carolina nurses toward the management of cancer-related pain. The analysis focused on knowledge, attitude, and perception of barriers to pain management.

Design: Exploratory, descriptive.

Risk factors for recurrent fever after the discontinuation of empiric antibiotic therapy for fever and neutropenia in pediatric patients with a malignancy or hematologic condition.

We studied episodes of fever and neutropenia in children and adolescents without documented infections to determine the risk of recurrent fever after early discontinuation of empiric antibiotic therapy; 213 episodes occurred in 106 patients. All patients received empiric antibiotic therapy after cultures were obtained. Antibiotic therapy was discontinued if no infection was found, culture results were negative for 48 hours, and the patient was afebrile for 24 hours.