MK0991 Versus Amphotericin B for Empirical Therapy in Febrile, Neutropenic Pediatric Patients (0991-044)

A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Comparative Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Caspofungin Versus (Amphotericin B) Liposome for Injection as Empirical Therapy in Pediatric Patients With Persistent Fever and Neutropenia

This study is a double-blind, randomized study of MK0991 versus liposomal amphotericin B in the empirical treatment of pediatric patients (ages 2 through 17 years) who have an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 500/microliter and who have fever despite broad antibiotic coverage. Such patients would be candidates for empirical therapy with an intravenous anti-fungal agent.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are 2 through 17 years of age
• Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is below 500/microliter
• Have persistent fever (at least 4 days) despite antibiotic therapy