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Current pharmacotherapeutic options for pediatric lower respiratory tract infections with a focus on antimicrobial

Maria Gabriella Matera1, Paola Rogliani2, Josuel Ora2

  • 1a Department of Experimental Medicine , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy.

Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|October 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Over half of antibiotic prescriptions for pediatric lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are inappropriate. Optimizing antibiotic use through accurate selection and stewardship programs is crucial for children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Antimicrobial therapy
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are common in children, leading to frequent antibiotic prescriptions.
  • Over 50% of antibiotic prescriptions for pediatric LRTIs are considered unnecessary or inappropriate.
  • Children exhibit unique physiological differences impacting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination compared to adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine and discuss current antimicrobial therapy choices for pediatric LRTIs.
  • To highlight the need for appropriate antibiotic utilization in pediatric populations.
  • To advocate for the development of pediatric-specific antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current antimicrobial therapy for various pediatric LRTIs.
  • Discussion of etiological agents and treatment considerations for each LRTI type.
  • Analysis of age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences in children.

Main Results:

  • Current antibiotic prescribing for pediatric LRTIs is often inappropriate.
  • Accurate drug selection, dosage, and treatment duration are critical for optimizing LRTI management in children.
  • Existing guidelines for pediatric LRTIs are generally insufficient.

Conclusions:

  • There is a significant need for improved antibiotic stewardship in pediatric care.
  • Implementing pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs is essential in both community and hospital settings.
  • Tailored guidelines and interventions are required to ensure appropriate antibiotic use in children with LRTIs.

Keywords:
Antibiotic selectionantimicrobial stewardship programmeschildrendose optimisationduration of the antibacterial treatmentlower respiratory tract infections

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