Common Pediatric Infections Research Articles

Griseofulvin Versus Terbinafine in the Treatment of Tinea Capitis: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Clinical Trials

Tinea capitis, a common pediatric infection in the United States, is caused mainly by Trichophyton species and affects many urban children. Although the current treatment of choice is oral griseofulvin, terbinafine has been shown to be variably effective in several comparative, randomized trials. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized, clinical trials comparing the efficacies of oral terbinafine and oral griseofulvin for the treatment of childhood tinea capitis. The Medline database was searched for randomized, clinical studies comparing griseofulvin and terbinafine for the treatment of tinea capitis. Acceptance criteria included oral administration of griseofulvin for at least 6 weeks and the identification of a pathogenic dermatophyte from the scalp at the time of enrollment in the study. Scalp culture status at least 8 weeks after enrollment was used as the outcome. The common odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test for significance, and the Breslow-Day test for homogeneity were calculated. Six articles that satisfied all inclusion criteria were identified. These studies were combined by using outcomes at 12 to 16 weeks after enrollment. The common OR was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.57-1.27). When the 5 studies that identified Trichophyton species as the predominant pathogen were combined, using outcomes 12 weeks after enrollment, the results nearly favored terbinafine (OR: 0.65 [95% CI: 0.42-1.01]). For outcomes at 8 weeks after enrollment, no difference was found between the agents (OR: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.54-1.32]). Consclusions.A 2- to 4-week course of terbinafine is at least as effective as a 6- to 8-week course of griseofulvin for the treatment of Trichophyton infections of the scalp. Griseofulvin is likely to be superior to terbinafine for the rare cases caused by Microsporum species.

Pharmacology Review

Cefepime is the only fourth-generation cephalosporin licensed for use in the United States. It is being used increasingly for treatment of infections caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria in older infants and children. Some hospitals have replaced antipseudomonal third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics (eg, ceftazidime) with cefepime because of high rates of infection caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria. Although cefepime generally is not used to treat infections in neonates, it is important for neonatologists to be familiar with the characteristics of the drug because there are a few circumstances in which cefepime may be appropriate therapy for an older infant hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. It is important to understand the unique differences of the drug compared with older cephalosporins. The cephalosporin antibiotics are derivatives of cephalosporin C, a natural antibiotic derived from the fungus Emericellopsis minimum . Cephalosporins have a beta-lactam ring as their major structural component, and their spectrum of activity varies, depending on substitutions at the 3 and 7 positions of the cephalosporin nucleus. Traditionally, these antibiotics are grouped by their spectrum of activity against antimicrobial organisms (Table 1). First-generation cephalosporins are active against most gram-positive bacteria (except enterococci and Listeria ) and have limited activity against some gram-negative organisms. Second-generation cephalosporins have increased activity against gram-negative organisms. Cephamycins, which generally are classified with the second-generation cephalosporins, have enhanced activity against anaerobic bacteria. The third-generation cephalosporins have extended potency against gram-negative bacteria but are generally less active against susceptible staphylococci. Cefepime hydrochloride is a newer semisynthetic, broad-spectrum fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. The other antibiotic in this class is cefpirome, which is not available for use in the United States. | | First Generation | Second Generation | Third Generation | Fourth Generation | |:----------:| ---------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- | ----------------- | | Oral | Cefadroxil | Cefaclor | Cefdinir | | | | Cephalexin | Cefprozil | Cefpodoxime | | | | Cephradine | Cefuroxime axetil | | | | | | Loracarbef | | | | Parenteral | Cefazolin | Cefamandole | Cefoperazone | Cefepime | | | Cephalothin | Cefuroxime | Cefotaxime | | | | Cephapirin | | Ceftizoxime | | | | | Cephamycins | Ceftriaxone | | | | | Cefotetan | Ceftazidime | | | | | Cefoxitin | | | Table 1. Generations of Cephalosporins Cefepime differs from the third-generation cephalosporins by having a quaternized N-methylpyrrolidine substitution at the C3 position of the cephem nucleus and an alkoxyimino group at the C7 position …

Cefpodoxime proxetil: a review of its use in the management of bacterial infections in paediatric patients.

Cefpodoxime proxetil is an oral third generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The drug has in vitro activity against many common Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens associated with common paediatric infections, making the drug a useful option for empirical therapy. In randomised controlled trials conducted in children with acute otitis media, oral cefpodoxime proxetil 8 to 10 mg/kg/day (usually administered in 2 divided doses) for 5 to 10 days was at least as effective as standard regimens of amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid, cefixime, cefuroxime axetil or cefaclor as assessed by either clinical or bacteriological criteria. Cefpodoxime 8 to 10 mg/kg/day (administered in 2 divided doses) for 5 to 10 days was at least as effective as standard 10-day regimens of penicillin V in the treatment of children with pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis. Significant differences in favour of cefpodoxime proxetil were demonstrated in terms of clinical (1 study) and bacteriological (2 studies) criteria. The clinical efficacy of 5 days of treatment with cefpodoxime proxetil is similar to that of 10 days of treatment with penicillin V. In children with lower respiratory tract infections (primarily pneumonia), clinical and bacteriological efficacy rates achieved with cefpodoxime proxetil treatment were similar to those produced by cefuroxime axetil or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in randomised controlled trials. Cefpodoxime proxetil also demonstrated clinical efficacy in paediatric patients with skin and soft tissue infections. In randomised studies that included both adults and children with a variety of infections (e.g. abscess, atheroma, furuncle and carbuncle, infected wounds, cellulitis), cefpodoxime proxetil showed efficacy similar to that of cefuroxime axetil or cefaclor. Cefpodoxime proxetil is well tolerated by paediatric patients, with adverse events (primarily gastrointestinal tract disturbances and skin rashes) that are consistent with those reported for other oral cephalosporins. Cefpodoxime proxetil is a third generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and a favourable pharmacokinetic profile which allows twice-daily administration. It is generally well tolerated and demonstrates good bacteriological and clinical efficacy in paediatric patients with various infectious diseases, including acute otitis media, tonsillitis and/or pharyngitis. Based on these characteristics, cefpodoxime proxetil is a suitable option for the treatment of paediatric patients with various common bacterial infections.

Antifungal agents for common paediatric infections.

Antifungal agents for common paediatric infections.

Judicious use of antibiotics for common pediatric respiratory infections.

Antibiotic resistance among common respiratory infection-producing bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis has become a major global public health problem. The use of antibiotics, whether or not medically justified for a particular illness, contributes to the development of resistant bacteria. To help to contain the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria, members of the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published principles for the judicious use of antibiotics in common pediatric respiratory infections including the common cold, otitis media, sinusitis and tonsillopharyngitis. This article reviews the CDC/AAP principles for management of these illnesses and describes results of clinical practice studies in which efforts to improve the judicious use of antibiotics were undertaken. The success of the CDC/AAP principles in containing the increase in antimicrobial resistance depends upon their being practiced. Results of clinical practice studies indicate that judicious use of antimicrobial therapy in pediatric respiratory infections can be realized through education and persistence. More widespread educational and behavior modification efforts are necessary to reduce unnecessary prescription of antibiotics and to curtail the still burgeoning problem of bacterial resistance.

Squaric acid immunotherapy for warts in children

Background: Warts are a common pediatric skin infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Spontaneous clearance of warts involves anti-HPV immunity, which may be enhanced by contact sensitizers. Squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) is a nonmutagenic sensitizing agent useful for immunotherapy of alopecia areata. Objective: We hypothesized that SADBE home application might be effective therapy for warts. Methods: An open-label, retrospective study of 61 children with warts was performed. Sensitization with 2% SADBE on the forearm was followed with home application of 0.2% SADBE to warts 3 to 7 nights per week for at least 3 months. Results: Complete clearing occurred in 34 patients (58%), with a mean duration of therapy of 7 weeks. Partial clearing occurred in 11 (18%), and no response in 14 (24%). Clearance correlated with plantar distribution, wart duration under 2 years (P <.05), and first-line therapy with SADBE. Mild side effects occurred in one third of patients, were limited most commonly to mild erythema at the site of sensitization, and necessitated discontinuation of therapy in only 2 patients. Conclusion: SADBE topical immunotherapy is a safe, effective option for home therapy of warts in children. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:803-8.)

Antimicrobial therapy of acute otitis media: review of treatment recommendations

This paper reviews 3 previously published articles that provided recommendations for antimicrobial therapy of acute otitis media (AOM) and combines them to provide revised recommendations. AOM is one of the most common pediatric infections requiring a prescription for an antimicrobial agent. The optimal approach to treatment of AOM requires early, efficacious, and practical therapy. Several experts and organizations have developed recommendations for the management of AOM, but the number of these may overwhelm the busy primary care practitioner. A MEDLINE search of the pediatric and infectious disease literature on AOM treatment recommendations was used to select 3 representative, previously published articles for this review. When selecting an agent, physicians should consider in vitro activity, particularly against drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae; pharmacokinetics; adverse events; palatability of the suspension; and cost. In addition, physicians' clinical experience is an important determinant. Amoxicillin is recommended as the first-line agent to treat uncomplicated AOM. For clinical treatment failures after 3 days of amoxicillin, recommended antimicrobial agents include oral amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefuroxime axetil, cefprozil, cefpodoxime proxetil, and intramuscular (i.m.) ceftriaxone. I.m. ceftriaxone should be reserved for severe cases or patients in whom noncompliance is expected. Tympanocentesis for identification of pathogens and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents is recommended for selection of third-line agents.

Tissue Expander Infections in Children: Look Beyond the Expander Pocket

Infection of the expander pocket is the most common complication encountered with soft-tissue expansion. It is usually due to direct inoculation with skin flora either at the time of expander insertion or from extrusion of the device. The authors report two cases of infection of tissue expanders in which the children had concomitant infected sites distant from the prosthesis. Etiological bacteria of common pediatric infections like otitis media and pharyngitis were cultured from the infected expander pocket, raising suspicion that translocation of the organism to the expander had occurred. Aggressive antibiotic treatment, removal of the prosthesis, and flap advancement is advocated.

Treatment of tinea capitis: beyond griseofulvin

Tinea capitis is a common pediatric scalp infection caused by dermatophytes. Topical therapy alone is ineffective, so oral griseofulvin has traditionally been the standard treatment. The new antimycotic agents itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole represent effective treatment alternatives that have fewer problems with tolerability and adverse effects. More comparative studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment with these agents and adjuvant therapies such as antifungal shampoos, topical antimycotic agents, and cortico-steroids. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:S27-30.)

Rational prescribing of antibacterials in ambulatory children.

The rational prescribing of oral antimicrobial agents for bacterial infections in children who can be treated in an ambulatory setting is the subject of this review. First, restrictive use of antibacterials is advocated to avoid widespread development of bacterial resistance. The use of simple methods, suitable for office use, to discern viral from bacterial infections is recommended. Second, in selecting an antimicrobial agent, the physician should consider a number of distinctive features of each agent. Besides aspects of pharmacokinetics, antibacterial spectrum and tolerability, the number of daily doses and, of particular importance for children, the palatability of suspensions plays an important role in achieving patient compliance. Agents that can be administered once or twice daily and possess an agreeable taste in addition to proven efficacy, established tolerability and a reasonable price are to be preferred. Specific paediatric aspects in choosing among penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides and other oral antibacterials are discussed. For pharmacoeconomic reasons, the optimal duration of antibacterial treatment and the role of short course therapy for various bacterial infections should be studied in more detail. Finally, rational antimicrobial treatment of common paediatric bacterial infections, such as streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, acute otitis media, acute sinusitis, bacterial pneumonia, pertussis, Lyme borreliosis (early stage) and lower urinary tract infection is reviewed.

Pediatric Spinal Infections

A high index of suspicion for spinal infection and an appropriate and prompt diagnosis are essential for the treatment of pediatric spinal infections. A 3-week course of antibiotics and supportive therapy is effective in the majority of cases of discitis, the most common pediatric spinal infection. Patients who are not toxic may be treated with bracing, or with casting alone in many cases. Neurologic deficit or a failure to respond to early treatment requires more aggressive measures, including biopsy or surgical debridement. It is essential to diagnose rare but serious conditions such as epidural abscess, tuberculosis, or opportunistic infections in patients at risk. The authors stress that clinical evaluation and appropriate diagnosis are critical for prevention of permanent neurologic damage or late bony deformity.

Intravenous sulbactam/ampicillin in the treatment of pediatric infections

A total of 82 patients involving 83 episodes of proven or presumed bacterial infection were treated with sulbactam/ampicillin. These included 36 cases of soft tissue infection or abscess, four cases of joint or bone infection, 20 cases of respiratory tract infection (17 cases of pneumonia, two of otitis media, and one of tonsillitis), 15 urinary tract infections, three cases of enterocolitis, one case of infective endocarditis, two cases of septicemia, and two of peritonitis. The causative pathogen was isolated in 48 cases (49 infections). These pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus 13 cases, Staphylococcus epidermidis one, Streptococcus pyogenes two, Streptococcus pneumoniae two, Viridans group streptococcus two, peptostreptococcus one, Haemophilus influenzae one, Escherichia coli 12, Enterobacter cloacae three, Proteus mirabilis one, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus one, Salmonella spp. two, Shigella sonnei one, Bacteroides fragilis one, and polymicrobial infections of various combinations in five cases. No bacterial pathogens were isolated in 34 infections, 14 cases of pneumonia and 15 soft tissue infections. Sulbactam/ampicillin was given by intravenous bolus in a dosage range of 75–450 mg/kg/day in four divided doses for variable periods of time depending on the type and severity of the infection. Of a total of 83 episodes of infections, 80 (96.4%) cases were either cured or improved. Bacteriologic eradication also occurred in 46 (93.9%) of 49 infections. Side effects were diarrhea in two patients, acute hemolytic anemia in one patient, and transient elevations in SGOT and leukopenia in one patient. Side effects disappeared upon completion of treatment. Sulbactam/ampicillin is a safe and effective antibiotic for the treatment of common pediatric infections.

Review of the new second-generation cephalosporins: cefonicid, ceforanide, and cefuroxime.

The new second-generation cephalosporins, cefonicid, ceforanide, and cefuroxime, have recently become available. These agents are generally less active against gram-positive cocci than first-generation cephalosporins and, at best, equal to cefoxitin and cefamandole against many gram-negative bacteria. Cefuroxime, however, is the most active cephalosporin for beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae. These newer agents have superior pharmacokinetic characteristics over cefoxitin and cefamandole. Smaller doses, longer dosing intervals and, potentially, a reduction in total drug cost may be the real advantage of these agents. Open trials and a limited number of comparative studies have documented the effectiveness of cefonicid, ceforanide, and cefuroxime in the treatment of most mild-to-serious infectious diseases, although failures with cefonicid in the treatment of staphylococcal infections have been reported. Notably, cefuroxime has received approval for the treatment of common pediatric bacterial meningitis infections. Replacement of cefamandole or cefoxitin with one of these "longer-acting" agents may be cost-beneficial; however, clinicians must be on alert for the development of bacterial resistance or decreased efficacy.

Acute otitis media: A common presentation in the emergency department

Acute otitis media is a common pediatric infection that requires appropriate evaluation of the young child to assure that there are no accompanying systemic infections or complications. The examination of the ear must not only assess the appearance of the tympanic membrane, but determine its mobility. Treatment should be initiated with antibiotics and symptomatic relief. Good follow-up must be arranged.

Antibiotics--1975.

In the author's opinion, nearly all common pediatric infections can be treated with penicillin G, oxacillin or nafcillin, ampicillin, sulfa, or kanamycin. Nevertheless, the pediatrician should also be knowledgable concerning the indications for use of the other antibiotics mentioned in this review.

Novobiocin in common pediatric infections

Summary Fifty-six patients with common childhood infections were treated with novobiocin. A good response to the drug was obtained in all patients except one infant treated in the outpatient department. There were no toxic or untoward reactions observed. Higher blood levels were obtained with the calcium salt than with the sodium salt of novobiocin. The drug was well absorbed following oral administration.