Common bacterial infections and their treatment in hospitalized pediatric patients

Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2019 Sep 16;76(19):1521-1531. doi: 10.1093/ajhp/zxz164.

Abstract

Purpose: Common bacterial infections in pediatric patients that the hospital pharmacist may encounter are reviewed, and guidance on the safe and effective use of antibiotics to treat those infections is provided.

Summary: Pharmacists play a key role in evaluating and creating antibiotic treatment plans for patients with infections. Bacterial infections are a common reason for hospital admission in pediatric patients, and pharmacists working in hospitals may be consulted to provide treatment and monitoring recommendations. It is important for pharmacists to be aware of similarities and differences in adult and pediatric populations with regard to presenting signs and symptoms of bacterial infections, common causative pathogens, and antibiotic selection, dosing, and monitoring. This article reviews current approaches to treatment of common bacterial infections in pediatric patients and also provides general suggestions for antibiotic use.

Conclusion: Pharmacists have an opportunity to positively impact the care of pediatric patients with bacterial infections. Especially at facilities where pediatric patients are not regularly treated, pharmacists can potentially improve care through provision of recommendations for optimal antibiotic selection, dosing, and monitoring.

Keywords: drug therapy; infectious diseases; pediatrics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Dosage Calculations
  • Drug Labeling / standards
  • Drug Monitoring / standards
  • Humans
  • Medication Therapy Management / organization & administration
  • Medication Therapy Management / standards
  • Pharmacists / organization & administration*
  • Pharmacy Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Pharmacy Service, Hospital / standards
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Professional Role*
  • Referral and Consultation

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents