RESPIRATORY-INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN - WHEN IS BRODIMOPRIM INDICATED

Respiratory infections are the most common infection in children. They differ remarkably according to age, bacteria and viruses. Therefore a careful history of outbreak, age, former infections, involvement of s urroundings, symptoms, etc are essential. The present study included 5 0 children, aged between 0.3 and 12 yrs, all treated ambulatorily. 21 received brodimoprim (B) and 29 erythromycin (E). Indications were: to nsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis and scarlet fever. Dosa ges were: B was given 10mg/kg body weight (b.w.) initially followed by 5mg/kg b.w., once-a-day. The duration of treatment varied between 4 a nd 14 days (mean 8.3 days). E was given 30-50mg/kg b.w. 3 times per da y; duration 4 to 14 days (mean 8.6 days). Overall results were: in gro up B:12 cures, 5 improvements, 3 failures; 1 not assessable. In group E: 20 cures, 8 improvements, 1 failure. Side effects: in group B: vomi ting (1), skin reaction (2), discontinuation (2); in group E: skin rea ction (1), diarrhea (5), diarrhea + vomiting (1); discontinuation (2). The differences in efficacy and tolerability in the two groups are no t statistically significant. The improved compliance with a single ver sus t.i.d. dosages has to be taken into account.