London – Antibiotic resistance is among the most pressing health emergencies of our time, with children representing the most vulnerable group. A new international study, published in The Lancet eClinicalMedicine and coordinated by Susanna Esposito, professor of Pediatrics at the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Parma, has revealed significant findings. The analysis of 80 national pediatric guidelines shows notable progress in the use of first-line antibiotics but raises serious concerns about the frequent use of second-line drugs, many of which carry a high risk of fueling antibiotic resistance.