Colistimethate sodium therapy for multidrug-resistant isolates in pediatric patients

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of colistimethate sodium therapy in multidrug‐resistant nosocomial infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii in neonates and children. Methods: Pediatric patients hospitalized at the Uludag University Hospital who had nosocomial infections caused by multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii, were enrolled in the study. Colistimethate sodium at a dosage of 50–75 × 103 U/kg per day was given i.v. divided into three doses. Results: Fifteen patients received 17 courses of colistimethate sodium for the following infections: ventilator‐associated pneumonia (n= 14), catheter‐related sepsis (n= 1) and skin and soft‐tissue infection (n= 2). The mean age of patients was 53.2 + 74.7 months (range, 8 days–15 years) and 60% were male. Mortality was 26.6%. Conclusion: Colistimethate sodium appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of severe infections caused by multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii in pediatric patients.