Policy Statement: Antibiotic Stewardship in Pediatrics.

Creator(s)

Jeffrey S. Gerber
Mary Anne Jackson, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Pranita D. Tamma
Theoklis E. Zaoutis
AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-28-2021

Identifier

DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piab002

Abstract

Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a threat to public health. Antibiotic stewardship is a practice dedicated to prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and, when antibiotics are considered necessary, promoting the use of the appropriate agent(s), dose, duration, and route of therapy to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing the unintended consequences of antibiotic use. Because there are differences in common infectious conditions, drug-specific considerations, and the evidence surrounding treatment recommendations (eg, first-line therapy and duration of therapy) between children and adults, this statement provides specific guidance for the pediatric population. This policy statement discusses the rationale for inpatient and outpatient antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs); essential personnel, infrastructure, and activities required; approaches to evaluating their effectiveness; and gaps in knowledge that require further investigation. Key guidance for both inpatient and outpatient ASPs are provided.

Journal Title

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc

Volume

10

Issue

5

First Page

641

Last Page

649

Keywords

antibiotic resistance; antimicrobial stewardship; pediatrics

Recommended Citation

Gerber JS, Jackson MA, Tamma PD, Zaoutis TE; AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society . Policy Statement: Antibiotic Stewardship in Pediatrics. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2021;10(5):641-649. doi:10.1093/jpids/piab002