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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Pediatric use of carbapenems]
1Réanimation Néonatale et Néonatalogie, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, 40, Avenue de Verdun, 94000 Créteil, France. xavier.durrmeyer@chicreteil.fr
Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|September 10, 2010
Summary
Multi-drug resistant infections are rising, limiting treatment options. Carbapenems are vital for resistant gram-negative infections, with meropenem showing promise over imipenem in pediatrics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rising incidence of multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) infections in pediatric and adult populations.
- Limited therapeutic options available for treating MDRO infections.
- Carbapenems represent a critical class of beta-lactam antibiotics, particularly effective against Gram-negative bacilli and relatively preserved from resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the microbiological, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties of available carbapenems.
- To discuss the clinical application of carbapenems in pediatric settings.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal carbapenem utilization to preserve efficacy and limit resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbiological, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic data for carbapenems.
- Analysis of published evidence on clinical use in pediatric populations.
- Comparative assessment of meropenem and imipenem based on properties and clinical data.
Main Results:
- Carbapenems exhibit potent activity against Gram-negative bacilli.
- Meropenem demonstrates superior pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic properties, better tolerance, and easier administration in pediatric patients compared to imipenem.
- Evidence supports the judicious use of carbapenems for infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli resistant to other beta-lactams.
Conclusions:
- Carbapenem stewardship is essential to maintain their effectiveness and combat the emergence of carbapenem-resistant strains.
- Exclusive use for infections with Gram-negative bacilli resistant to other beta-lactams is recommended.
- Meropenem is poised to supersede imipenem for many pediatric indications due to its favorable profile.
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