Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy for Children With Cystic Fibrosis
INTRODUCTION
Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects several organs, most notably the lungs, which become predisposed to infections with potentially severe consequences. Because of physiologic changes and infection characteristics, unique approaches to antimicrobial agent selection, dosing, and administration are needed. To provide optimal acute and long-term care, pediatric health care providers must be aware of these patient features and common approaches to antimicrobial therapy in CF, which can differ significantly from those of other infectious diseases. The purpose of this article is to review common respiratory pathogens, pharmacology of commonly used antimicrobial agents, and unique pharmacokinetics and dosing strategies often used when treating children with CF.
This continuing education activity is administered by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) as an Agency providing continuing education credit. Individuals who complete this program and earn a 70% or higher score on the post test will be awarded 1.0 NAPNAP contact hours, of which 1.0 is pharmacology content.
IMPORTANT: This continuing education activity is FREE to NAPNAP Members. You must be logged in using your NAPNAP Username and Password to be recognized as a Member of NAPNAP. If you are a current member of NAPNAP, and you are being asked to purchase this activity, please contact the NAPNAP National Office at (877) 662-7627 to request assistance prior to entering any payment information.
Participants are forbidden to reproduce, republish, redistribute, or resell this course in any other form. For copyright-related questions, please email your question to: ce@napnap.org
Copyright 2015 © by National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
Target Audience
Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses
Learning Objectives
1. Identify common respiratory tract pathogens in cystic fibrosis
2. Describe basic pharmacology of antimicrobials commonly used in cystic fibrosis.
3. Explain how altered pharmacokinetics in children with cystic fibrosis warrant unique dosing strategies.
4. Recommend appropriate antimicrobial regimes for acute pulmonary exacerbations.
5. Describe approach to chronic infection for children with cystic fibrosis.
Leah Molloy, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.
Kristen Nichols, PharmD, BCPS, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Indianapolis, IN; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN; and Co-Director, Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
FACULTY DISCLOSURES
Dr. Molloy has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Dr. Nichols has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Available Credit
- 1.00 Contact hours