[Role of ceftazidime in severe infections in children. Review of the literature]

Ceftazidime has the same antibacterial spectrum as the other third generation cephalosporins, but it is the most active of all against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A review of the literature concerning severe infections shows that ceftazidime has been used in children mainly to treat superinfections on cystic fibrosis, infections in immunocompromised subjects and neonatal infections. The results in large series of patients were highly satisfactory and the drug was well tolerated. Other diseases treated in shorter series were: urinary tract infections in paediatric urology, ENT infections caused by P. aeruginosa, cellulitis and post-operative infections. A multicentre trial involving 344 children has recently been reported, showing very good results (clinical cure in 95 per cent of the cases). Ceftazidime dosage varies from one study to another, but a mean daily dose of 150 mg/kg is often necessary in septicaemias and infections associated with cystic fibrosis.