Short duration of parenteral antibiotics in infants with urinary tract infections

• Published in: Paediatrics & child health 2023-11, Vol.28 (7), p.411-416
• Main Authors: Menon, Nikita, Mutinta Deasy, Anne, Woo, Kellan, Tarabishi, Jalal, Chan, Eugene Yu-hin, Kang, Kristopher, Carwana, Matthew, Nama, Nassr
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Drug dosages; Newborn babies; Original; Pediatrics; Urinary tract infections
• ISSN: 1205-7088; 1918-1485
• DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxad030

Abstract Objectives Current guidelines by the Canadian Paediatric Society on treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) exclude infants ≤ 60 days old. There is considerable practice variability in this age group, especially around the optimal duration of parenteral antibiotics. The study aimed to assess local practice patterns, and the safety of a short course (≤3 days) of parenteral antibiotics in young infants. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 95 infants (≤60 days) with confirmed UTIs were identified at British Columbia Children’s Hospital. Patients receiving short (≤3 days) and long (>3 days) duration of parenteral antibiotics were compared. Outcomes of interest included urinary tract infection recurrence within 30 days, hospital length of stay (LOS), representation, and readmission. Results Twenty infants (21%) received a short course of parenteral antibiotics. These infants were older (median 47 days versus 28 days) and non-bacteremic. Urinary tract infection recurrence was identified in 8 patients (8%), of which 7 were treated with a long duration (P = 1.0). Patients treated with a short duration had a significantly shorter LOS, with a mean difference of 4.21 days [95% CI: 3.37 to 5.05] (P