RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Antibiotic resistance pattern and empirical therapy for urinary tract infections in children JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 854 OP 858 VO 29 IS 6 A1 Al-Harthi, Abdulla A. A1 Al-Fifi, Suliman H. YR 2008 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/29/6/854.abstract AB OBJECTIVE: To study the type of bacterial pathogen causing urinary tract infection in children at Aseer Central Hospital, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and their antimicrobial resistance patterns.METHODS: A retrospective study of all the urine cultures carried out on children in the period from January 2003 to December 2006, for a total of 4 years were reviewed at the bacteriology laboratory, Aseer Central Hospital, southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Their antimicrobial resistances as well as sensitivities were also analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 464 urine cultures were identified. Escherichia coli constitutes the most common pathogen isolated 37.3%, followed by Klebsiella 16.4% and Pseudomonas species 15.7%. In general, there was a significant increase in the resistance rates of different bacterial pathogens to different antibiotics.CONCLUSION: In spite of an increase in the resistance rates of bacterial pathogens causing UTI, ceftriaxone, imipenem, and to some extent Azactam are appropriate for initial empirical intravenous therapy in UTI. In patients with uncomplicated UTI not requiring hospitalization, Nalidixic acid, and Nitrofurantoin can be used as oral treatment.