Application of switch therapy in children with severe infections

Abstract EN

Application of switch therapy in severe infections among children admitted to pediatric unit in Basrah maternity and children hospital was studied.

Forty-six cases were involved ; 27 cases with septicaemia, 9 with bronchopneumonia, 7 with meningitis and 3 cases with acute pyelonephritis.

All cases were treated with intravenous (I.V.J antibiotics for 2-3 days, then switched to oral antibiotics either of same class (27 cases) or of another class with the same spectrum of activity (19 cases).

They were discharged from hospital and followed up for the rest 7days.Results showed that clinical improvement started 2dqys after (I.

V.) antibiotics and cure clinically alone or with investigations was obtained at the end of oral antibiotic treatment course in 42 cases (91.3 %).

Failure of switch therapy was reported in 4 cases (8.7 %) who required readmission and further I.

V.

antibiotic treatment.

Great cost savings were also found, as the cost with switch therapy is 10,000-15, 0001.D.

Per patient as compared to 21,000-36,000 l.D per patient in cases of full course I.

V.

antibiotic treatment and hospitalization for Wdays.

It is concluded that switch therapy is generally safe procedure to be applied for the treatment of severe infections among children.

It will reduce the duration of hospital stay and the load on nursing mother.

It is a great cost saving procedure, as well.