1. Antimicrobial Therapy in Pediatric Sepsis: What Is the Best Strategy?
- Author
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Mau LB and Bain V
- Abstract
Pediatric sepsis is a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in this age group. Children are affected differently in high and low-income countries. Antibiotics are crucial for the treatment of sepsis, but indiscriminate use can increase resistance worldwide. The choice of a correct empiric therapy takes into consideration the site of infection, local epidemiology, host comorbidities and recent antibiotic exposure. Antibiotics should be administered in the first hour for patients with septic shock, and always intravenously or via intraosseous access. Culture results and clinical improvement will guide de-escalation and length of treatment. New diagnostic methods can help improve the prescription of adequate treatment. Prevention of sepsis includes vaccination and prevention of healthcare-associated infections. More research and education for awareness of sepsis is needed to improve care., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The handling editor declared a shared affiliation with one of the author VB at time of review., (Copyright © 2022 Mau and Bain.)
- Published
- 2022
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