Abstract
Imipenem, a very broad spectrum antimicrobial drug was given to 40 children ranging in age from 3 months to 13 years (median 2 years). Children younger than 3 years received 100 mg/kg/day and children older than 3 years received 60 mg/kg/day. 29 organisms were isolated from 26 patients. Infections included 11 cellulitis, 4 osteomyelitis, 4 septic arthritis, 2 lymphadenitis, 2 renal infections, 2 wound infections, and 1 pneumonia. Organisms included 8 S. aureus, 7 S. pyogenes, 7 H. influenza b, 3 P. aeruoinosa, 2 S. pneumonia, 1 E. coli, 1 S. enteritides.
6 patients were bacteremic (5 H. influenza, 1 S. pneumonia). Patients were treated for 2 to 14 days (mean 6 days). All responded favorably with sterilization of the infected site, defervescence and improvement in the local findings. All the organisms were susceptible to imipenem, and none developed resistance. There were no superinfections. 40 patients were analyzed for tolerance and safety. Imipenem was well tolerated and there were no significant side effects. Transient side effects noted were: irritation of iv site (3), diarrhea (2), SCOT elevation (2), leukopenia (1).
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Alpert, G., Dagan, R., Connor, E. et al. 1051 Efficacy and Safety of Imipenem in Childhood. Pediatr Res 19, 286 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01081
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01081