Efficacy and safety of short- versus standard-course ceftriaxone therapy in children with pneumonia: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric bacterial pneumonia (30-40% of cases) is commonly treated with ceftriaxone sodium, but optimal duration (traditional 7-14 days vs. short 5-7 days) remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To compare therapeutic efficacy, inflammatory marker dynamics and safety of short- vs. standard-course ceftriaxone sodium in pediatric pneumonia.

METHODS

This prospective, single-center, single-blind, phase randomized controlled trial randomized 200 children (1-14 years) 1:1 to short-course (5-7 days) or standard-course (7-14 days) ceftriaxone sodium. The primary outcome was overall response rate; secondary outcomes included symptom relief time, hospital stay, recurrence, adverse events, and changes in lung function and inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

Symptom relief time and overall efficacy were comparable between groups (P>0.05). Short-course ceftriaxone sodium reduced hospital stay and adverse events (P<0.05), while standard-course lowered recurrence rate and achieved superior inflammatory marker normalization by day 5 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Short- and standard-course ceftriaxone sodium have similar overall efficacy. A short-course is suitable for mild cases with a prompt inflammatory response, while a standard-course is preferred for severe cases or delayed inflammation to prevent relapse.