Moxalactam therapy of serious pediatric infections

Forty children with documented or suspected bacterial infections arising outside the central nervous system (CNS) were studied. Fifteen different pathogens for a total of 30 isolates were obtained from multiple sources. Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentrations 4-8 micrograms/ml) was the most common pathogen isolated, involving seven patients. Each patient received moxalactam 50 mg/kg iv over 15 minutes q8h and responded favorably to therapy, exhibiting bacteriologic and/or clinical cures. Toxicity associated with moxalactam occurred in only two patients and necessitated discontinuation of drug therapy. Moxalactam 50 mg/kg iv q8h is effective therapy for non-CNS infections occurring in infants and children.