THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CEFTRIAXONE AND MEROPENEM IN THE TREATMENT OF ENTERIC FEVER IN CHILDREN- EXPERIENCE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PAKISTAN

Abstract Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of ceftriaxone and meropenem in the treatment of Enteric Fever in Pediatric Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at the department of child health Khyber teaching hospital Peshawar Pakistan from June 2020 to June 2022. The sample size included 392 patients. Keeping in view 392 blood samples were taken and sent for blood culture. Both positive and negative cultures were incorporated in the study. The patients were started empirically on ceftriaxone and then in case of no response r on the basis of drug sensitivity in the culture report were shifted to meropenem. Response was defined as afebrile for 72 hours and absence of complications like peritonitis, intestinal hemorrhage and obtundation. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: In our study, out of 392 patients 64% were male while 36% were female. Among blood cultures sent 16.8% were positive and 83.2% were negative. 10.5% of patients were sensitive to meropenem, 3.6% were sensitive to ceftriaxone while 2.8% were sensitive to other drugs. 60.7% of patients responded to meropenem. 11.7% responded to ceftriaxone while 27.6% showed response to other drugs. CONCLUSION: Ceftriaxone showed 11.73% of efficacy in response against enteric fever while meropenem showed 68.79% of efficacy.