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The effects of a fluoroquinolone on the growth and development of infants
A N Gürpinar1, E Balkan, N Kiliç
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey.
Insights
Ciprofloxacin, a life-saving antibiotic for neonatal sepsis, showed no adverse effects on growth or development up to 42 months. This fluoroquinolone offers a crucial option for treating resistant bacterial infections in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal medicine
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Neonatal sepsis poses a significant threat, especially when caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
- Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin are reserved for life-saving interventions in severe neonatal infections.
- Limited data exist on the long-term effects of ciprofloxacin in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of ciprofloxacin in neonates.
- To assess the impact of neonatal ciprofloxacin exposure on growth and development.
- To compare outcomes in neonates treated with ciprofloxacin versus other antibiotics or no antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study monitoring nine neonates receiving ciprofloxacin (20 mg/kg/day) for sepsis.
- Comparison with two control groups of nine neonates each (sepsis treated with cefotaxime, and healthy neonates).
- Growth and development assessed for up to 42 months, including monitoring for osteoarticular issues.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in growth and development were observed between the ciprofloxacin group and control groups over 42 months.
- No osteoarticular problems or joint deformities were reported in neonates treated with ciprofloxacin.
- Ciprofloxacin was administered as a last resort for life-saving therapy in sepsis caused by resistant bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal ciprofloxacin use, as a life-saving measure for resistant sepsis, did not demonstrate adverse effects on long-term growth and development.
- Ciprofloxacin represents a valuable therapeutic option for critically ill newborns with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing and broader applications of fluoroquinolones in neonatal care.
Abstract:
Growth and development were monitored for up to 42 months in nine neonates to whom ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, was given in the neonatal period at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day. Ciprofloxacin was used only as a ¿life-saving' therapy in cases of sepsis produced by bacterial agents resistant to other antibiotics. Two other groups of nine neonates, matched by birth weight and gestational age, were studied as controls: one group with sepsis, which was effectively treated with cefotaxime and a group of healthy neonates. No statistically significant differences in growth and development between the groups were found during follow-up for 42 months. No osteoarticular problems or joint deformities were observed in the ciprofloxacin group. Ciprofloxacin appears to provide a therapeutic option as a ¿life-saving' therapy for newborns with sepsis produced by multiply resistant organisms.