Adverse consequences of neonatal antibiotic exposure

Abstract

Purpose of review: Antibiotics have not only saved lives and improved outcomes, but they also influence the evolving microbiome. This review summarizes reports on neonatal infections and variation in antibiotic utilization, discusses the emergence of resistant organisms, and presents data from human neonates and animal models demonstrating the impact of antibiotics on the microbiome, and how microbiome alterations impact health. The importance of antibiotic stewardship is also discussed.

Recent findings: Infections increase neonatal morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the clinical presentation of infections can be subtle, prompting clinicians to empirically start antibiotics when infection is a possibility. Antibiotic-resistant infections are a growing problem. Cohort studies have identified extensive center variations in antibiotic usage and associations between antibiotic exposures and outcomes. Studies of antibiotic-induced microbiome alterations and downstream effects on the developing immune system have increased our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the associations between antibiotics and adverse outcomes. The emergence of resistant microorganisms and recent evidence linking antibiotic practice variations with health outcomes has led to the initiation of antibiotic stewardship programs.

Summary: The review encourages practitioners to assess local antibiotic use with regard to local microbiology, and to adopt steps to reduce infections and use antibiotics wisely.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02059135.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest

Dr. Cotten has received received support for his service on a data safety monitoring board for a clinical trial sponsored by rEVO pharmaceuticals (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02059135).Dr. Cotten has served on an advisory board for GW Pharmaceuticals.