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[Clinical evaluation of meropenem in the pediatric field]
K Mikuni1, H Matsuda, N Watanabe
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyorin University.
Abstract:
We studied the clinical efficacy of meropenem (SM-7338, MEPM), a new parenteral carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic, in pediatric field. Thirteen patients with 2 months to 8 years and 8 months of ages, with acute infectious diseases were administered with doses at 39.3 to 76.7 mg/kg/day of MEPM intravenously. The diagnoses consisted of 7 respiratory tract infections, 1 sepsis, 2 orbital cellulitis, 1 parotid abscess, 1 lymphadenitis and 1 pyoderma. The clinical efficacy rate was 84.6% (11/13), and the bacteriological eradication rate was 71.4% (5/7). Clinical laboratory examinations revealed 1 patient with eosinophilia and another with anemia. No other side effects attributable to this drug were observed. It appears that MEPM is a useful antibiotic for moderate to severe acute bacterial infections in children.
Insights
Meropenem (MEPM) demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in pediatric patients with acute bacterial infections. This new carbapenem antibiotic showed a high success rate with minimal side effects in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Therapy
- Carbapenem Antibiotics
Background:
- Acute bacterial infections pose a significant health challenge in pediatric populations.
- Novel antimicrobial agents are needed to combat evolving resistance patterns and improve treatment outcomes.
- Meropenem (SM-7338, MEPM) is a new parenteral carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of meropenem (MEPM) in pediatric patients.
- To assess the bacteriological eradication rates associated with MEPM treatment in children.
Main Methods:
- A study involving thirteen pediatric patients aged 2 months to 8 years and 8 months with acute infectious diseases.
- Intravenous administration of meropenem (MEPM) at doses ranging from 39.3 to 76.7 mg/kg/day.
- Inclusion of diagnoses such as respiratory tract infections, sepsis, orbital cellulitis, parotid abscess, lymphadenitis, and pyoderma.
Main Results:
- A clinical efficacy rate of 84.6% (11 out of 13 patients) was observed.
- A bacteriological eradication rate of 71.4% (5 out of 7 patients) was achieved.
- Adverse effects were minimal, with one case of eosinophilia and one of anemia reported; no other drug-attributable side effects were noted.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem (MEPM) is a potentially useful antibiotic for treating moderate to severe acute bacterial infections in children.
- The drug exhibits a favorable efficacy and safety profile in the pediatric population studied.