Abstract
Bacterial sepsis is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Early diagnosis, a coordinated and aggressive approach to initial resuscitation, and
timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy are paramount to improving outcomes of these
dangerous infections. The basic tenants of initial and ongoing resuscitation include
rapid isotonic intravenous fluid boluses with reassessment for physiologic response,
empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics directed to cover suspected sources of infection,
source control, vasoactive infusions, supportive critical care and monitoring of response
to therapy. In addition to resuscitation of bacterial sepsis, this article will review
approaches to empiric antibiotic choice in septic shock, and detail definitive management
of infections caused by several specific organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, group A Streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium difficile. Lastly, management of several common pediatric infections, including community acquired
bacterial pneumonia and bacterial meningitis, will be reviewed.
Keywords
Anti-bacterial agents - bacteremia - pediatric - resuscitation - septic shock - sepsis
