Pefloxacin in the treatment of gram-negative infections in patients with hematologic diseases.

Quinolones are active against gram-negative strains. They are commonly used for selective intestinal decontamination in patients with hematologic malignancies and prolonged neutropenia due to chemotherapy. In our open study we used pefloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone, for the treatment of fifteen documented gram-negative infections in hematologic patients. Thirteen patients were mildly neutropenic, and in nine cases they received oral treatment as non-hospitalized patients. Cure was achieved in fourteen cases, with microbiological eradication of the offending pathogen.