Related Experiment Videos
Clinical experience with treatment of melioidosis in children
Pagakrong Lumbiganon1, Napaporn Chotechuangnirun, Pope Kosalaraksa
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Abstract:
We describe the treatment and follow-up results of 30 children with culture-proven melioidosis seen during 1994-1999. Twelve patients had septicemia, and 18 patients had localized infection. Ceftazidime with or without trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were used for the acute treatment of severe melioidosis. Oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was given in the eradication phase in 4 patients with septicemia and in 12 patients for the treatment of localized infection. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in combination with doxycycline were given to 4 patients, whereas doxycycline alone was given to 2 patients older than 8 years old. No serious adverse reaction was reported. Three patients died suddenly. Twenty-five patients could be followed up; 24 patients were well.
Insights
This study evaluated treatments for childhood melioidosis, finding that ceftazidime and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were effective. Most children treated for melioidosis (a bacterial infection) recovered well.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Melioidosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- Pediatric melioidosis presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report treatment and follow-up outcomes for children diagnosed with melioidosis.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antimicrobial regimens used.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 children with culture-proven melioidosis (1994-1999).
- Treatment regimens included ceftazidime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline.
- Patients were categorized by disease presentation: septicemia (12) and localized infection (18).
Main Results:
- Ceftazidime, often combined with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, was used for acute severe cases.
- Oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline combinations were used for eradication or localized treatment.
- Of 25 followed patients, 24 showed a good recovery; three sudden deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial therapy, including ceftazidime and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, demonstrated effectiveness in treating pediatric melioidosis.
- The observed outcomes suggest favorable prognosis with appropriate treatment, despite some mortality.
