Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a report of three years experience

Although outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is practiced internationally, there is a paucity of data regarding outcomes of paediatric OPAT. A retrospective analysis, of 3 years experience (January 2010 to 2013) was performed at a tertiary paediatric Respiratory unit. There were 362 OPAT courses administered to 32 children, of which 30 had cystic fibrosis and the remaining two had recurrent pneumonia. A total of 3,688 days of antibiotics were administered. The median age was 8.8 years (range 2.75 - 17.8 years). Sixteen (50%) were male. Each child received an average of 11 courses and median duration of OPAT was 10 days (range 2-21 days). Tobramycin was the commonest antimicrobial prescribed, with ceftazidime second. During this period, there was one readmission (0.3%) post discharge and 3 (2%) portocath infections. All patients attended for weekly review and laboratory monitoring. OPAT appears safe, effective and reduces the need for inpatient beds.