Hemoculture in pediatrics

Abstract

The results of hemocultures performed in children from zero to 12 years of age were analyzed in period of 18 months, with special attention to the isolated microorganisms and their sensibility patterns the antimicrobics. In phase A, 530 exams taken from 396 patients' blood samples were studied. One hemoculture was required from 313 (79%) children and three or more tests in 32 (8%) patients. In phase B, 157 positive hemocultures from 151 children were analyzed. From these, 92% had only one positive test and 2% presented three or more positive cultures. It was verified that there was a growth of 165 microorganisms belonging to 26 different species, with special attention to the Gram positives. The S. epidermidis and the S. aureus were resistant to penicillin in 60% and 80% of the cases, respectively. Fourteen cases of death were noted among patients having one or more positive hemocultures. The authors called attention to a great variety of isolated microorganisms. The choice of the antimicrobic must be based on the sensibility patterns.