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Enteral Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin for Ventilator-Associated Tracheobronchitis in Children
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  • Christina Smith,
  • Caroline Sierra,
  • Joanna Robbins,
  • Ekua Cobbina
Christina Smith
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Caroline Sierra
Loma Linda University - School of Pharmacy
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Joanna Robbins
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
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Ekua Cobbina
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
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Abstract

Introduction Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most commonly isolated organism in children with ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT). Enteral treatment with ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin is sometimes employed, but supportive data are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of enteral ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin administration for VAT in children. Methods This was a retrospective review of electronic medical records for children less than 18 years of age who received enteral ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin for the treatment of VAT from January 2013 through January 2020 at an academic children’s hospital. Results Seventy-six children (median age 9.5, IQR 3.6-13.1 years), received ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin for VAT treatment during the study period. Median treatment duration was 8 (range 7-10) days. Most tracheostomy cultures (n=70/82, 85%) were polymicrobial, with P. aeruginosa most commonly isolated (n=67/224 organisms, 30%). Sixty-five children (86%) were successfully treated with an enteral fluoroquinolone. Antibiotics were changed or extended for two (3%) children. Ten (13%) children were prescribed antibiotics and eight (11%) required hospitalization for a lower respiratory tract infection within 30 days of completion of their fluoroquinolone course. Six (8%) patients received a seizure rescue medication, seven (9%) experienced emesis, and one (1%) had elevated transaminases. Tendonitis, tendon rupture and QTc prolongation were not observed. Conclusions The results of this study suggest enteral fluoroquinolones may be effective for the treatment of VAT in children. Further study is warranted to clarify the role of these agents in pediatric VAT.
18 Jun 2021Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
18 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
18 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
22 Jun 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
20 Sep 20211st Revision Received
21 Sep 2021Assigned to Editor
21 Sep 2021Submission Checks Completed
21 Sep 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Oct 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
04 Jan 20222nd Revision Received
04 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
04 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
04 Jan 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 Jan 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Jan 2022Editorial Decision: Accept