Available evidence of antibiotic resistance from extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in paediatric patients in 20 countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

objectiveTo make a systematic review of risk factors, outcomes and prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-associated infection in children and young adults in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.

methodsUp to June 2018 we searched online databases for published studies of infection with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in individuals aged 0-21 years. We included case-control, cohort, cross-sectional and observational studies reporting patients positive and negative for these organisms. For the meta-analysis we used random-effects modelling of risk factors and outcomes for infection, and meta-regression for analysis of subgroups. We mapped the prevalence of these infections in 20 countries and areas using available surveillance data.

findingsOf 6665 articles scanned, we included 40 studies from 11 countries and areas in the meta-analysis. The pooled studies included 2411 samples testing positive and 2874 negative. A higher risk of infection with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria was associated with previous hospital care, notably intensive care unit stays (pooled odds ratio, OR: 6.5; 95% confidence interval, CI: 3.04 to 13.73); antibiotic exposure (OR: 4.8; 95% CI: 2.25 to 10.27); and certain co-existing conditions. Empirical antibiotic therapy was protective against infection (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.79). Infected patients had longer hospital stays (26 days; 95% CI: 12.81 to 38.89) and higher risk of death (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.82 to 5.80). The population prevalence of infection was high in these regions and surveillance data for children were scarce.

conclusionAntibiotic stewardship policies to prevent infection and encourage appropriate treatment are needed in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.