Suggested Dosing of Select Beta-lactam Agents for the Treatment of Antimicrobial-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections in Children.

Abstract

Background: The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) publishes annual guidance on the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) gram-negative infections. Within the AMR guidance, suggested dosages of antibiotics for adults infected with AMR pathogens are provided. This document serves as a companion document to the IDSA guidance to assist pediatric specialists with dosing β-lactam agents for the treatment of AMR infections in children.

Methods: A panel of 13 pediatric infectious diseases specialists, including 11 pharmacists and two physicians, reviewed existing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, animal, and clinical data for newer β-lactam agents that are available in the United States and suggested for the treatment of AMR infections (i.e., cefiderocol, ceftazidime-avibactam, ceftazidime-avibactam & aztreonam, ceftolozane-tazobactam, imipenem-cilastatin-relebactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, sulbactam-durlobactam). Suggested dosing for ampicillin-sulbactam is also provided given complexities in appropriate dosing for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections.

Results: Consensus-based suggested dosing for β-lactam agents used to treat AMR infections in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents and relevant supporting evidence are provided. Content is up to date as of December 1st, 2024. Gaps and limitations to existing data are discussed.

Conclusion: Optimizing antibiotic dosing is critical to improving the outcomes of children with AMR infections.