Comparative study of protected environment for children with malignant disease.

Thirty-three children with malignancy were investigated to evaluate the effect of reverse isolation with or without decontamination on prevention of infection. They were allocated to three groups: Group A, isolation in a laminar air flow room plus oral nonabsorbable antibiotics and sterile food; group B, isolation in a vertical air flow room without decontamination; group C, isolation in a conventional private room. Infectious episodes were the fewest and the rate of response to cancer chemotherapy was the highest in group A. Pyrexial days (greater than 38 degrees C) and days on systemic antibiotics were significantly fewer in groups A and B. Episodes of infection were also significantly fewer in group A but not in group B, as compared with group C. The usefulness and the necessity of a laminar air flow room as well as a vertical air flow room for management of childhood cancer were demonstrated.