Praktické lekárnictvo 4/2022

New intravenous cephalosporines in pediatrics: ceftaroline, and ceftazidime-avibactam

Antimicrobial resistance of Gram-negative bacteria is a global health issue. The World Health Organization designated extended beta-lactamase producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae critical priority level bacteria as they pose the greatest threat to human health. Also, infections by multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumani as well as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus are an emerging problem. In recent years, several new antimicrobial products have been developed, each with particular characteristics rendering it appropriate for certain clinical situations. In Pediatrics, new therapeutic options are mostly limited to new cephalosporines. This article reviews the general features of the newest cephalosporines approved for intravenous therapy of severe infections in children. Ceftaroline is indicated for the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and community-acquired pneumonia. Ceftazidime- -avibactam is approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia and for the treatment of infections due to aerobic Gram-negative organisms with limited treatment options.

Keywords: children, cephalosporines, antimicrobial resistance, mechanism of action