Antibiotic Regimens and Associated Outcomes in Children Hospitalized With Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

J Hosp Med. 2021 Mar;16(3):149-155. doi: 10.12788/jhm.3529.

Abstract

Background: Controversy exists regarding the optimal antibiotic regimen for use in hospitalized children with staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS). Various regimens may confer toxin suppression and/or additional coverage for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) or methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA).

Objectives: To describe antibiotic regimens in hospitalized children with SSSS and examine the association between antistaphylococcal antibiotic regimens and patient outcomes.

Design/methods: Retrospective cohort study of children hospitalized with SSSS using the Pediatric Health Information System database (2011-2016). Children who received clindamycin monotherapy, clindamycin plus MSSA coverage (eg, nafcillin), or clindamycin plus MRSA coverage (eg, vancomycin) were included. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS); secondary outcomes were treatment failure and cost. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to compare outcomes among antibiotic groups.

Results: Of 1,259 children included, 828 children received the most common antistaphylococcal antibiotic regimens: clindamycin monotherapy (47%), clindamycin plus MSSA coverage (33%), and clindamycin plus MRSA coverage (20%). Children receiving clindamycin plus MRSA coverage had higher illness severity (44%) compared with clindamycin monotherapy (28%) and clindamycin plus MSSA (32%) (P =.001). In adjusted analyses, LOS and treatment failure did not differ among the 3 regimens (P =.42 and P =.26, respectively). Cost was significantly lower for children receiving clindamycin monotherapy and highest in those receiving clindamycin plus MRSA coverage (mean, $4,839 vs $5,348, respectively; P <.001).

Conclusions: In children with SSSS, the addition of MSSA or MRSA coverage to clindamycin monotherapy was associated with increased cost and no incremental difference in clinical outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents