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Use of linezolid in pediatrics: a critical review

John Dotis1, Elias Iosifidis, Maria Ioannidou

  • 1Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, 3(rd) Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University, School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, Thessaloniki, Greece.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|January 29, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Linezolid is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric infections caused by resistant Gram-positive bacteria like MRSA. It offers a promising alternative when conventional therapies fail or are not tolerated.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Therapy
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibiotic, demonstrates activity against challenging Gram-positive pathogens.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) are significant causes of pediatric infections.
  • These resistant organisms pose a growing threat in both hospital and community settings.

Observation:

  • A systematic review analyzed 30 English-language articles involving 597 pediatric patients treated with linezolid.
  • The most frequent pathogen treated was MRSA, followed by VRE and PRSP.
  • Linezolid was administered for various infections including pneumonia, endocarditis, skin and soft tissue, central nervous system, and osteoarticular infections.

Findings:

  • Linezolid demonstrated safety and efficacy across a range of serious infections in pediatric patients.
  • The antibiotic was particularly effective against infections caused by MRSA, VRE, and PRSP.
  • Reported adverse events and tolerability were consistent with existing adult data.

Implications:

  • Linezolid represents a valuable therapeutic option for pediatric patients with resistant Gram-positive bacterial infections.
  • It provides an alternative for children who cannot tolerate or have failed conventional antimicrobial treatments.
  • Further research may elucidate optimal dosing and long-term outcomes in pediatric populations.

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