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Use of antimicrobial drugs in medical wards
Abstract:
Antimicrobial usage patterns in 17,750 consecutive medical in-patients, monitored between 1966 and 1972 are described. 36.4% of all patients were exposed to one or more antimicrobials and about half of them received more than one antimicrobial agent. Penicillins accounted for 49% of all exposures and use of ampicillin rose steadily over the years. Concomitant receipt of more than one antimicrobial was common (22% of all exposed patients). Of 171 possible two-drug combinations involving 19 drugs, 126 were actually encountered. Apart from combinations, 60% of antimicrobial recipients received more than one agent at different times.
Insights
This study analyzed antimicrobial usage in over 17,000 medical patients from 1966-1972. Penicillins were most common, with significant use of multiple antimicrobial agents and combinations observed.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial for patient outcomes and resistance.
- Understanding historical antimicrobial usage patterns provides context for current practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe antimicrobial usage patterns in a large cohort of hospitalized patients.
- To identify trends in the types and combinations of antimicrobials prescribed.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of antimicrobial prescriptions for 17,750 medical inpatients.
- Data collected over a six-year period (1966-1972).
Main Results:
- 36.4% of patients received at least one antimicrobial.
- Penicillins represented 49% of all antimicrobial exposures, with rising ampicillin use.
- Concurrent use of multiple antimicrobials was frequent (22% of exposed patients), with 126 of 171 possible two-drug combinations observed.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial prescribing was common during the study period.
- Polypharmacy with antimicrobials, including complex combinations, was a notable feature.
- These findings highlight the need for careful antimicrobial selection and monitoring.