A REVIEW OF TEICOPLANIN IN THE TREATMENT OF SERIOUS NEONATAL INFECTIONS

Gram-positive bacteria, notably coagulase negative staphylococci, have become an important cause of infection in neonates. Furthermore, many of these pathogens are now resistant to multiple antibacterial agents . Teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is active against a broad ra nge of Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant staphy lococci. It has advantages over vancomycin in terms of tolerability, w ith a lower propensity to cause nephrotoxicity and anaphylactoid-like reactions, and in terms of ease of administration and monitoring requi rements. The clinical utility of teicoplanin in neonates with Gram-pos itive infections has been investigated in several noncomparative studi es. Clinical and bacteriological response rates in 173 neonates treate d with teicoplanin 8-10 mg/kg intravenously or intramuscularly once da ily after a loading-dose regimen of 10-20 mg/kg per day have ranged fr om 80%-100% and 83%-100%, respectively. Few adverse events related to teicoplanin have been reported in this patient population. Conclusion Teicoplanin (8-10 mg/kg) administered intravenously or intramuscularly once daily after a loading-dose regimen of 15-20 mg/kg per day appear s to be an effective and well tolerated treatment for Gram-positive in fections in neonates.