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Published on: August 30, 2018
Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs
Insights
Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs are crucial for combating rising multidrug-resistant infections in children. The Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) advocates for their implementation, inclusion of specialists, and legislative support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Frequent antimicrobial use in children has accelerated multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
- Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are vital due to unique patient needs and risks.
- Children face increased vulnerability to resistance and adverse events from antibiotic exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group's (PPAG) position statement on pediatric antimicrobial stewardship.
- To advocate for the implementation and comprehensive support of pediatric ASPs.
- To recommend specific legislative and policy actions to enhance antibiotic stewardship in children.
Main Methods:
- This paper is a position statement from the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG).
- It outlines PPAG's stance on the necessity and components of pediatric antimicrobial stewardship.
- Recommendations are based on the unique aspects of pediatric antimicrobial use and resistance.
Main Results:
- PPAG strongly supports the implementation of ASPs for all pediatric patients.
- PPAG emphasizes the need for pediatric pharmacy specialists within these programs.
- PPAG calls for insurance coverage and legislative action to support pediatric stewardship.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric-focused antimicrobial stewardship is essential to combat resistance and improve patient safety.
- Integration of pediatric pharmacy specialists and supportive policies are critical for effective ASPs.
- PPAG advocates for legislative mandates and dedicated federal task forces to address pediatric antibiotic resistance.
Abstract:
The frequent use of antimicrobials in pediatric patients has led to a significant increase in multidrug-resistant bacterial infections among children. Antimicrobial stewardship programs have been created in many hospitals in an effort to curtail and optimize the use of antibiotics. Pediatric-focused programs are necessary because of the differences in antimicrobial need and use among this patient population, unique considerations and dosing, vulnerability for resistance due to a lifetime of antibiotic exposure, and the increased risk of adverse events. This paper serves as a position statement of the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) who supports the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs for all pediatric patients. PPAG also believes that a pediatric pharmacy specialist should be included as part of that program and that services be covered by managed care organizations and government insurance entities. PPAG also recommends that states create legislation similar to that in existence in California and Missouri and that a federal Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria be permanently established. PPAG also supports post-doctoral pharmacy training programs in antibiotic stewardship.
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