What combination of antibiotics is commonly used in the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis?

Prepare for the PLAB Pediatrics Exam with targeted quizzes. Enhance your knowledge with practice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Get ready to succeed!

The combination of gentamicin and metronidazole is commonly used in the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) due to its effectiveness in targeting the polymicrobial infection that usually accompanies this condition. NEC primarily affects premature infants and is characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the intestine.

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, which are often implicated in the infections seen in NEC. Metronidazole, on the other hand, is effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa. Since NEC is associated with a range of bacterial flora, including both aerobic and anaerobic organisms, the combination of these two antibiotics provides broad coverage to effectively treat the infection and reduce the risk of further complications.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the optimal coverage needed for managing NEC. Amoxicillin and clavulanate may not cover the resistant strains commonly found in this patient population. Ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, while useful for certain infections, are not the standard combination for NEC treatment. Azithromycin and doxycycline also do not match the specific antibiotic needs for the anaerobic and Gram-negative organisms typically found in cases of this condition. Thus

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy