Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Experience with daptomycin in a tertiary pediatric hospital]
María T Rosanova1, Norma Sberna2, Claudia Sarkis1
1Servicio de Control Epidemiológico e Infectología, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Background:
Vancomycin has been considered the treatment of choice especially for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections; but its poor tissue penetration, renal toxicity, and requiring of dosages monitoring, raises the need for new treatment alternatives such as daptomycin.
Aims:
To analyze the safety and effectiveness of daptomycin in children.
Methods:
Children with microbiologically documented infections treated with daptomycin were retrospectively included.
Results:
The most frequent infections were endocarditis in 9 (32%), sepsis in 4 (14%), bacteremia in 7 (associated with catheter in 3) (25%), osteomyelitis in 3 (10%), peritonitis associated with dialysis in 3 (10%) and suppurative thrombophlebitis in 2 patients (p) (7%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen in 18 patients (64%). The indications for daptomycin were due to the failure of conventional treatment in 17 (61%), and the toxicity or intolerance to vancomycin in 11 patients (39%). The average duration of treatment was 19 days (95% ICR 7-42 days). Four patients (14%) completed outpatient treatment, 22 patients had a favorable response (79%). Adverse events were reported in 3 patients (2 creatinine-phosfo-kinase increase) and in one severe skin rash.
Conclusions:
Daptomycin demonstrated a favorable efficacy and safety in this pediatric population.
Insights
Daptomycin is a safe and effective treatment for children with serious infections, including those caused by MRSA. It offers an alternative when vancomycin fails or causes toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Antimicrobial Therapy
Background:
- Vancomycin is the standard for MRSA infections but has limitations.
- Poor tissue penetration, renal toxicity, and monitoring needs prompt alternatives.
- Daptomycin emerges as a potential alternative for pediatric infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of daptomycin in pediatric patients.
- To assess daptomycin's role in treating infections resistant to conventional therapies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of children with microbiologically confirmed infections treated with daptomycin.
- Inclusion criteria: documented infections treated with daptomycin.
Main Results:
- Most common infections: endocarditis (32%), bacteremia (25%), sepsis (14%).
- MRSA was the predominant pathogen (64%).
- Daptomycin used due to treatment failure (61%) or vancomycin toxicity (39%). Favorable response in 79% of patients. Adverse events were infrequent.
Conclusions:
- Daptomycin shows promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in pediatric patients.
- It serves as a viable option for complex pediatric infections, especially those involving MRSA.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

