Abstract

Backgroud: The use of colistin for treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections in pediatric patients is common in intensive care units. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and nephrotoxicity of treatment with colistin and determine its factors associated with nephrotoxicity.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study, using retrospective data from medical records of pediatric patients prescribed colistin injection/ intravenous infusion during the treatment period at the Department of Intensive Care - Poison Control, Dong Nai Children's Hospital between January 2018 and May 2023.

Results: About 6.3% of patients have been reported with clinical and microbiological improvement, 46.9% with clinical improvement and no microbiological reassessment, 14.1% with clinical improvement only, 1.6% with microbiological improvement only, 7.8% with treatment changes due to clinical failure and 23.4% with hospital transfer/ severe return home/ death. The proportion of patients with colistin-induced nephrotoxicity was 15.6%. The number of comorbidities, concurrent use of antifungal drugs, and number of drugs with a risk of nephrotoxicity used concomitantly were found as factors associated with colistin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion: Treatment with colistin was effective againts multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in pediatric patients. Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity accounted for 15.6% of patients.