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Antiviral agents in the critically ill child

Flor M Munoz1

  • 1Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.

Seminars in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
|April 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Supportive care is key for most childhood viral infections. However, severe cases in immunocompromised children or infants may need intensive care and specific antiviral drugs, with ongoing research for new pediatric treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Most childhood viral infections are managed with supportive care.
  • Severe cases can lead to intensive care unit (ICU) admission, especially in immunocompromised children and infants.
  • Secondary complications can arise even in previously healthy children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current antiviral therapies for pediatric viral infections.
  • To highlight the importance of understanding drug mechanisms, activity spectrum, and side effects.
  • To emphasize the role of antiviral agents in treating critically ill children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antiviral agents for pediatric use.
  • Analysis of drug classes targeting respiratory, herpes, and enteric viruses.
  • Discussion of ongoing research and development of new antiviral drugs for children.

Main Results:

  • Specific antiviral agents are available for certain viral infections in children.
  • New antiviral drugs are under active investigation for pediatric applications.
  • Clinician knowledge is crucial for effective and safe use of antivirals in critically ill children.

Conclusions:

  • While supportive care is primary, specific antiviral treatments are vital for severe pediatric viral illnesses.
  • Judicious use of existing and emerging antiviral drugs requires comprehensive understanding by healthcare providers.
  • Continued research is essential to expand treatment options for children with viral infections.

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