J Pediatr Infect Dis 2017; 12(03): 171-175
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1602828
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Antimicrobial Stewardship for Newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Rebecca Schein
1   Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
,
B. Keith English
1   Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

08 December 2016

26 December 2016

Publication Date:
17 May 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Overuse of antibiotics causing antibiotic resistance, an increase in Clostridium difficile infections, and increased adverse drug reactions is a growing problem. To combat this growing threat, the Centers for Disease Control started a program to improve the appropriate use of antimicrobials that focuses on antimicrobial stewardship. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medically fragile infants are commonly exposed to antibiotics resulting in a growing interest in applying antimicrobial stewardship principles in this patient population. The lack of treatment guidelines and the relatively narrow spectrum of individual antibiotics used to make the NICU a unique environment requiring a specialized approach to antimicrobial stewardship. This article examines the current antibiotic treatment data for common NICU illnesses including early and late-onset sepsis, pneumonia, and necrotizing enterocolitis, then reviews current recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship.