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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Serious pediatric infections

S L Kaplan1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030.

The American Journal of Medicine
|April 9, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Third-generation cephalosporins like cefotaxime and ceftriaxone are effective for serious pediatric bacterial infections, including meningitis. They offer a valuable alternative to older antibiotics, especially against resistant pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Therapy
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Third-generation cephalosporins represent a significant advancement in treating severe pediatric bacterial infections.
  • These antibiotics exhibit high activity against common pathogens responsible for pediatric bacterial meningitis.
  • Concerns exist regarding prolonged clearance in neonates, especially premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of third-generation cephalosporins in treating serious bacterial infections in children.
  • To compare third-generation cephalosporins with standard antibiotic treatments for pediatric bacterial meningitis.
  • To assess the spectrum of activity against common pediatric pathogens, including resistant strains.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vitro activity against common pediatric pathogens.
  • Comparison of cefotaxime and ceftriaxone with ampicillin and chloramphenicol for bacterial meningitis treatment.
  • Assessment of safety and neurological outcomes in treated children.
  • Evaluation of ceftazidime for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and empiric use in neutropenic fever.

Main Results:

  • Cefotaxime and ceftriaxone demonstrate high in vitro activity against common meningitis pathogens, including ampicillin/chloramphenicol-resistant Haemophilus influenzae type b and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • These agents are effective against gram-negative bacilli like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
  • Cefotaxime and ceftriaxone are equivalent to ampicillin and chloramphenicol in neurologic outcome and safety for meningitis in children over 2-3 months.
  • Ceftazidime is indicated for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections; its use in neutropenic fever is noted.
  • Listeria monocytogenes is not susceptible to cephalosporins.

Conclusions:

  • Third-generation cephalosporins, particularly cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, are effective and safe for treating serious bacterial infections and meningitis in children.
  • Ceftriaxone's once-daily dosing offers therapeutic convenience, especially for outpatient treatment.
  • Ceftazidime is crucial for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and its empiric use in neutropenic children warrants consideration.

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