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Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in hospitalized children

Helena C Maltezou1, Flora Kontopidou, Panos Katerelos

  • 1Department for Interventions in Health-Care Facilities, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece. jannaterschure@gmail.com

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|December 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogen infections in children are a growing concern, leading to significant illness and death. This study highlights the critical need for better understanding and management of these pediatric infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Hospital-Acquired Infections

Background:

  • Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens (CRPs) are a significant threat in healthcare settings.
  • Pediatric infections caused by CRPs are understudied, despite increasing morbidity, mortality, and costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology and outcomes of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogen infections in hospitalized children.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective surveillance of newly detected CRP infections in children under 15 years old.
  • Data collection included pathogen type, infection site, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 71 CRP infections were reported in 65 children (median age 1 year) between November 2010 and March 2012.
  • Common infections included pneumonia (35.2%), bacteremia (32.4%), and urinary tract infections (19.7%). Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter spp. were the most frequent isolates.
  • Crude 28-day mortality was 21.1%, with many infections occurring in children with underlying conditions or recent broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogen infections are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.
  • Findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control strategies for CRPs in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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