Optimising Antibiotic Treatment for Sick Malnourished Children

Ceftriaxone is active against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, including intracellular bacteria (e.g. Salmonellae, Staphylococci). Its antibacterial effect is dependent on time above the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC). Ceftriaxone is highly protein-bound and elimination depends on glomerular filtration rate. In severely ill adults, elimination is highly variable. Alteration in plasma proteins, volume of distribution and renal function in sick severely malnourished children could significantly alter pharmacokinetics (PK). Despite several published studies on the PK of ceftriaxone in children, none have included severe malnutrition.

Metronidazole is effective against Giardia, which is common amongst children with SAM; and against other anaerobic infections, including small bowel bacterial overgrowth and Clostridium difficile colitis. Small cohort studies suggest there may be benefits for nutritional recovery. However, metronidazole can cause nausea and anorexia, potentially impairing recovery from malnutrition and may also cause liver and neurological toxicity. Changes in body composition as well as metabolic and drug elimination mechanisms may alter the potential toxicity or effective dose.