Antimicrobial usage among hospitalized children in Latvia: a neonatal and pediatric antimicrobial point prevalence survey

Antimicrobial Utilization among Neonates and Children: A Multicenter Point Prevalence Study from Leading Children’s Hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) compromises global health due to the associated morbidity, mortality, and costs. The inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents is a prime driver of AMR. Consequently, it is imperative to gain a greater understanding of current utilization patterns especially in high-risk groups including neonates and children. A point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted among three tertiary care children’s hospitals in the Punjab province using the World Health Organization (WHO) methodology. Antibiotic use was documented according to the WHO AWaRe classification. Out of a total of 1576 neonates and children, 1506 were prescribed antibiotics on the day of the survey (prevalence = 95.5%), with an average of 1.9 antibiotics per patient. The majority of antibiotics were prescribed in the medical ward (75%), followed by surgical ward (12.8%). Furthermore, 56% of antibiotics were prescribed prophylactically, with most of the antibiotics (92.3%) administered via the parenteral route. The top three indications for antibiotics were respiratory tract infections (34.8%), gastrointestinal infections (15.8%), and prophylaxis for medical problems (14.3%). The three most common antibiotics prescribed were ceftriaxone (25.8%), amikacin (9.2%), and vancomycin (7.9%). Overall, 76.6% of the prescribed antibiotics were from Watch category followed by 21.6% from the Access group. There was a very high prevalence of antibiotic use among hospitalized neonates and children in this study. Urgent measures are needed to engage all the stakeholders to formulate effective ASPs in Pakistan, especially surrounding Watch antibiotics.

Antibiotic appropriateness and guideline adherence in hospitalized children: results of a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Information on the nature and appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for children in hospitals is important, but scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse antimicrobial prescribing and appropriateness, and guideline adherence, in hospitalized children across Australia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed data from the National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS) from 2014 to 2017. Surveys were performed in hospital facilities of all types (public and private; major city, regional and remote). Participants were admitted children <18 years old. Risk factors associated with inappropriate prescribing were explored using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among 6219 prescriptions for 3715 children in 253 facilities, 19.6% of prescriptions were deemed inappropriate. Risk factors for inappropriate prescribing included non-tertiary paediatric hospital admission [OR 1.37 (95% CI 1.20-1.55)] and non-major city hospital location [OR 1.52 (95% CI 1.30-1.77)]. Prescriptions for neonates, immunocompromised children and those admitted to an ICU were less frequently inappropriate. If a restricted antimicrobial was prescribed and not approved, the prescription was more likely to be inappropriate [OR 12.9 (95% CI 8.4-19.8)]. Surgical prophylaxis was inappropriate in 59% of prescriptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in children was linked to specific risk factors identified here, presenting opportunities for targeted interventions to improve prescribing. This information, using a NAPS dataset, allows for analysis of antimicrobial prescribing among different groups of hospitalized children. Further exploration of barriers to appropriate prescribing and facilitators of best practice in this population is recommended.

Evaluation of antibiotic use among hospitalised patients in a paediatric department of a training hospital in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are widely used and inaccurate or inappropriate prescription of antibiotics causes a significant increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections among children. This research aimed to study antibiotic prescriptions in hospitalised paediatric patients and to determine the prevalence of inappropriate antimicrobial use and the main types of prescribing errors.

METHODS

After obtaining the Ethics Committee approval, screening was conducted among 535 patients admitted to the Department of Pediatrics at Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital in the period from 01 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 who had been treated with an antibiotic. Patients' demographics, diagnosis and antibiotic therapy details were collected using a standardised case report form and assessed by a clinical pharmacologist and an infectious disease specialist regarding the convenience and accurateness of prescription of antibiotics.

RESULTS

Out of 535 antibiotic prescriptions, single antibiotics were used inappropriately in 216 (56.10%) of the patients and there were 39 (26%) unnecessary antibiotic combinations. Most of the errors were made in the dose frequency (55.69%), followed by indication (25.88%), administration route (16.08%) and dosage (2.67%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study show that a high level of antibiotics in the paediatric clinic was misprescribed. Inappropriate usage increases the chances of microbial resistance and the cost of treatment. Precautions should be taken in this regard.

Antibiotic use evaluation in hospitalized pediatric patients with respiratory tract infections: A retrospective chart review study

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common cause of antibiotic usage in hospitalized pediatric patients. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms and increased treatment costs.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess antibiotic usage in hospitalized pediatric patients with RTIs.

METHODS

Medical charts of the patients admitted to the pediatric ward (PW) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary respiratory center were reviewed. Patients' demographic and clinical data including gender, age, weight, history of allergy, length of hospital stay, clinical diagnosis, prescribed antibiotics (indication, dose, and frequency of administration) were collected. The appropriateness of antibiotic usage was evaluated in each patient according to international guidelines.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-nine hospitalized patients were included in the study. The most common reason for hospitalization was pneumonia (38%), followed by cystic fibrosis (20.1%) and bronchitis (5%). The most commonly used antimicrobial agents were ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and clindamycin which guideline adherence for their usage was 85.3%, 23.3%, and 47%; respectively. Inappropriate dose selection was the main reason for non-adherence to the guidelines. The adherence rate to RTIs' guidelines (considering all parameters for each patient) was 27.6%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated CF and prescription of azithromycin are predictors of guideline non-adherence.

CONCLUSION

We found relatively low adherence to international guidelines in our center that could be related to restricted definitions of optimal antibiotic therapy. Despite most patients received logical antimicrobial therapy, actions should be taken into account to reach optimal antibiotic usage.

Quality Analysis of Antimicrobial Restriction Policy in Pediatrics

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are coordinated programs developed in recent years to promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials and reduce microbial resistance. One important action for a successful ASP is the implementation of an antimicrobial policy restriction. Objective: The study analyzed the quality of target-antimicrobial requisitions after the introduction of an antimicrobial policy restriction for children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and three pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). An ASP was implemented in October 2016, and 14 target antimicrobials were selected to be prescribed after pre-approval by a pediatric infectious disease specialist. All requisitions were analyzed according to indication, antimicrobial type, dose, duration, and collection of cultures before administration. There were no exclusion criteria for requisition analysis. Results: Between October 2016 and December 2017, 1,173 patients were admitted to the units with 120 requisitions of target antimicrobials. Sepsis (43/120; 35.8%) was the most common indication, followed by respiratory infections (23/120; 19.2%) and infections in two or more sites (11/120; 9.2%). The most common target antimicrobials requested were meropenem (68/120; 56.7%), amphotericin B lipid formulations (12/120; 10%), teicoplanin (11/120; 9.2%), and linezolid (11/120; 9.2%). In 98 (81.7%) cases, previous cultures before antimicrobial administration were collected. An infectious agent was detected in 52 of the 98 cultures (53.1%), and Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria represented 50% and 26.9% of all positive samples, respectively. Besides, 111 (92.5%) requisitions were approved. In five refused requisitions, a narrow-spectrum antimicrobial was prescribed after further discussion; four were refused due to lack of information, and in one case, the de-escalation of the antimicrobial was possible. No mistake regarding dosage and duration was detected. Conclusions: We found a high-quality rate of target antimicrobial requisition. Antimicrobial policy restriction could contribute to improving the quality of antimicrobial prescription, even in NICUs and PICUs.

Benefits of a Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Antimicrobial Use and Quality of Prescriptions in a Referral Children's Hospital

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the results of the first 24 months of a postprescription review with feedback-based antimicrobial stewardship program in a European referral children's hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a pre-post study comparing antimicrobial use between the control (2015-2016) and the intervention periods (2017-2018) expressed in days of therapy/100 days present. Quality of prescriptions was evaluated by quarterly cross-sectional point-prevalence surveys. Length of stay, readmission rates, in-hospital mortality rates, cost of systemic antimicrobial agents, and antimicrobial resistance rates were included as complementary outcomes.

RESULTS

Total antimicrobial use and antibacterial use significantly decreased during the intervention period (P = .002 and P = .001 respectively), and total antifungal use remained stable. A significant decline in parenteral antimicrobial use was also observed (P < .001). In 8 quarterly point-prevalence surveys (938 prescriptions evaluated), the mean prevalence of use of any antimicrobial among inpatients was 39%. An increasing trend in the rate of optimal prescriptions was observed after the first point-prevalence survey (P = .0898). Nonoptimal prescriptions were more common in surgical than in medical departments, in antibacterial prescriptions with prophylactic intention, and in empirical more than in targeted treatments. No significant differences were observed in terms of mortality or readmission rates. Only minor changes in antimicrobial resistance rates were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our antimicrobial stewardship program safely decreased antimicrobial use and expenditure, and a trend toward improvement in quality of prescription was also observed.

Antimicrobial prescription patterns in a tertiary-care pediatric unit in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest public health threats worldwide. The improper prescription of antibiotics is one factor that promotes antibiotic resistance. Access to antimicrobial surveillance data is essential when assessing the pattern and appropriateness of antimicrobial prescriptions in hospitals and for the establishment of an antimicrobial stewardship program. This study aimed to describe the rate of antimicrobial use and the pattern of prescriptions in a tertiary care pediatric unit in Thailand.

METHODS

A point prevalence survey on antimicrobial use was conducted monthly between January and June 2016, using standardized tools. The survey included all inpatient pediatric beds and identified all children receiving antimicrobial treatment on the day of the survey.

RESULTS

The study included 644 children, 43.3% of whom received antimicrobial treatment during hospitalization. In general wards, the rate of antimicrobial prescriptions was 37.2%; in oncology wards it was 47.0%; in intensive care units it was 38.7%, and in surgical wards it was 67.7%. Meropenem was the most prescribed antimicrobial in the general wards (24.5%) and intensive care units (28.6%), whereas antipseudomonas was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial in the oncology ward (26.6%). For the surgical ward, the most prescribed antimicrobial was third-generation cephalosporin for both prophylaxis and treatment (39.0%). The most common reason for antimicrobial use was the treatment of infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly half of hospitalized children received at least one antimicrobial. This was comparable with other pediatric tertiary care centers, although the high use of meropenem was different. This study provides important baseline information on antimicrobial use in a large tertiary-care pediatric unit and could lead to a nationwide survey in the future.

Point prevalence surveys of antimicrobial use: a systematic review and the implications

Introduction: In view of increasing concerns with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) instituted a Global Action Plan (GAP) to address this. Area covered: One of the strategies to achieve the goals of GAP is to conduct regular surveillance of antimicrobial use through point prevalence surveys (PPS). In this review, PubMed, EBSCO, Proquest, Cinahl, and Scopus were searched for PPS of antimicrobial use published in English between January 2000 and December 2019. After systematic database screening of 2,893 articles, 60 PPS met the inclusion criteria and consequently were incorporated in this systematic review. Expert opinion: This review highlighted that most of the PPS were conducted in upper-middle and high-income countries. Prevalence of antimicrobial use was significantly higher in non-European hospitals compared with European hospitals. The domination of third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolones use across all the regions suggests substantial use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials across countries. Among all identified regions around the world, India was the region where the highest use of antimicrobials was observed. Although PPS is a useful tool to assess the pattern of antimicrobial use and provides a robust baseline; however, a standardized surveillance method is needed. In order to optimize antimicrobial use, more efforts are required to improve antimicrobial use.

Antibiotic consumption and management at Kocani General Hospital – Annual report

The aim of the study was to get detailed insight into the antibiotic consumption trends in the three year period (2016-2018) in Kocani Hospital, to identify the most often prescribed antibiotics and to determine whether the treatment of given diagnosis was in accordance with the official guidelines. The survey covered all pediatric and infant patients admitted to the pediatric ward. Patients’ data included gender, age, diagnosis, antibiotic used and doses. The majority of admitted patients were in the age group of 0-1 (27.48%, 25.94% and 30.77% for 2016, 2017 and 2018, accordingly) followed by age group of 1-2 years (20.86%, 22,0% and 23.83% for 2016, 2017 and 2018, consequently) and 2-3 years (16.06%, 16.1% and 14.63% for 2016, 2017 and 2018, consequently) .The most frequent diagnosis was acute tonsillitis which was determined in ~21% of patients, pneumonia without complications in ~18% and acute bronchitis in ~16% of patients in the period 2016-2018. Results from conducted survey identified high prescription rate and use of antibiotics predominantly ceftriaxone (82.58%, 81.05% and 50.85% in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively) contrary to official recommendations and evidences based on clinical data for treatment of the diagnoses in question. So, it is foreseeable to conclude that there is urgent need for restrictive and educational measures i.e. to strength the surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic prescription and usage and hence to promote awareness for rational use of antibiotics on all health-care levels. Key words: antibiotic prescription, antibiotic consumption, pediatric wards, annual report

Antibiotic usage in Chinese children: a point prevalence survey

BACKGROUND

Children as a population have high antimicrobial prescribing rates which may lead to high resistance of bacteria according to data from some single-center surveys of antibiotic prescribing rates in China. The acquirement of baseline data of antibiotic prescribing is the basis of developing intervention strategies on inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions. Few studies show clearly the pattern and detailed information on classes of antibiotics and distribution of indications of antibiotic prescriptions in children in China. This study aims to assess the antibiotic prescribing patterns among children and neonates hospitalized in 18 hospitals in China.

METHODS

A 24-hour point prevalence survey on antimicrobial prescribing was conducted in hospitalized neonates and children in China from December 1st, 2016 to February 28th, 2017. Information on the antibiotic use of patients under 18 years of age who were administered one or more on-going antibiotics in the selected wards over a 24-hour period was collected. These data were submitted to the GARPEC (Global Antimicrobial Resistance, Prescribing and Efficacy in Children and Neonates) web-based application ( https://pidrg-database.sgul.ac.uk/redcap/ ). For statistical analysis, Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS 22.0 were used.

RESULTS

The antibiotic data were collected in 35 wards in 18 hospitals from 9 provinces. In total, 67.76% (975/1439) of the patients (n = 1439) were given at least one antibiotic, including 58.1% (173/298) of neonates (n = 298) and 70.3% (802/1141) of children (n = 1141). In neonates, the three most frequently prescribed antibiotics were third-generation cephalosporins (41.7%), penicillins plus enzyme inhibitor (23.8%), and carbapenems (11.2%). In children, the three most frequently prescribed antibiotics were third-generation cephalosporins (35.5%), macrolides (23.2%), and penicillins plus enzyme inhibitors (15.9%). The most common indication for antibiotics was proven or probable bacterial lower respiratory tract infection (30.9% in neonates and 66.6% in children).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in the Chinese children population. It is likely that the third-generation cephalosporins and macrolides are currently overused in Chinese children. Efforts must be made to ensure safe and appropriate antibiotic prescribing to reduce and prevent the future development of antibiotic resistance.

Point Prevalence Surveys of Antimicrobial Use among Hospitalized Children in Six Hospitals in India in 2016

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in India is among the highest in the world. Antimicrobial use in inpatient settings is an important driver of resistance, but is poorly characterized, particularly in hospitalized children. In this study, conducted as part of the Global Antimicrobial Resistance, Prescribing, and Efficacy in Neonates and Children (GARPEC) project, we examined the prevalence of and indications of antimicrobial use, as well as antimicrobial agents used among hospitalized children by conducting four point prevalence surveys in six hospitals between February 2016 and February 2017. A total of 681 children were hospitalized in six hospitals across all survey days, and 419 (61.5%) were prescribed one or more antimicrobials (antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals). Antibacterial agents accounted for 90.8% (547/602) of the total antimicrobial prescriptions, of which third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) accounted for 38.9% (213/547) and penicillin plus enzyme inhibitor combinations accounted for 14.4% (79/547). Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was the most common indication for prescribing antimicrobials (149 prescriptions; 24.8%). Although national guidelines recommend the use of penicillin and combinations as first-line agents for LRTI, 3GCs were the most commonly prescribed antibacterial agents (55/149 LRTI prescriptions; 36.9%). In conclusion, 61.5% of hospitalized children were on at least one antimicrobial agent, with excessive use of 3GCs. Hence there is an opportunity to limit their inappropriate use.

Prescription of antibiotics in Riga and Vilnius tertiary children's hospitals

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the use of antibiotics among hospitalised children in Riga (Latvia) and in Vilnius (Lithuania) at two tertiary paediatric centres.

Methods

A point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted using validated and standardised Antibiotic Resistance and Prescribing in European Children (ARPEC) project methodology during November 2012. All inpatients less than 18 years old were included in the study. All data were recorded for patients with active antimicrobial prescriptions at 8 am on the day of the survey. Data were entered into the ARPEC-webPPS programme and were validated online for accuracy.

Results

The proportion of patients receiving antimicrobial therapy was statistically different: 128 (37.0%) patients in Riga and 83 (26.3%) in Vilnius. The most common age group in Riga and Vilnius was 1-5 years. The most commonly used antibiotic classes for the treatment and prophylaxis of infection were third-generation cephalosporins (38; 25.5% prescriptions) in Riga and second-generation cephalosporins (16; 19.8%) in Vilnius. Parenteral use of antimicrobials was higher in Riga than in Vilnius: 111 (74.5%) prescriptions to paediatric patients in Riga and 45 (55.6%) prescriptions in Vilnius.

Conclusions

The PPS identified differences in antibiotic use in both hospitals and problem areas for improvement: high use of third-generation cephalosporins for paediatric patients (in Riga) and predominant use of parenteral antibiotics. Further collaboration between both centres is needed because sharing audit data and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives may encourage further changes in practice at both institutions.

A study of antimicrobial use in children admitted to pediatric medicine ward of a tertiary care hospital

OBJECTIVES

Antimicrobials are frequently used in tertiary care hospitals. We conducted an observational study on children admitted to a teaching hospital in Eastern India, to generate a profile of antimicrobial use and suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) attributable to them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hospitalized children of either sex, aged between 1 month and 12 years, were studied. Baseline demographic and clinical features, duration of hospital stay, antimicrobials received in hospital along with dosing and indications and details of suspected ADRs attributable to their use were recorded. Every patient was followed up till discharge, admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, or death.

RESULTS

Over the 1 year study period, 332 admissions were screened. The prevalence of antimicrobial use was 79.82%. The majority of the 265 children who received antimicrobials were males (61.10%) and hailed from rural and low socioeconomic background. Median age was 36 months. Six children died, 43 were transferred out, and the rest discharged. In most instances, either 2 (40%) or a single antibiotic (39.6%) was used. Ceftriaxone, co-amoxiclav, amikacin, vancomycin, and ampicillin were predominantly used. Antivirals, antimalarials, and antiprotozoals were used occasionally. Average number of antimicrobials per patient was 2.0 ± 1.27; the majority (84.1%) were by parenteral route and initial choice was usually empirical. Prescriptions were usually in generic name. The antimicrobial treatment ranged between 1 and 34 days, with a median of 7 days. Six ADRs were noted of which half were skin rash and the rest loose stools.

CONCLUSIONS

The profile of antimicrobial use is broadly similar to earlier Indian studies. Apparent overuse of multiple antimicrobials per prescription and the parenteral route requires exploration. Antimicrobials are being used empirically in the absence of policy. ADRs to antimicrobials are occasional and usually mild. The baseline data can serve in situation analysis for antibiotic prescribing guidelines.