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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
11:17
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
[Antibiotic use in Norway].
Irene Litleskare1, Hege Salvesen Blix, Marit Rønning
1Avdeling for legemiddelepidemiologi Divisjon for epidemiologi Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt Postboks 4404 Nydalen 0403 Oslo. irene.litleskare@fhi.no
Summary
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. While narrow-spectrum antibiotic use remains high, broad-spectrum use is increasing, with significant variations in antibiotic consumption across different age and sex demographics.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat, driven by overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents.
- Rational antibiotic use strategies are crucial for mitigating the development and spread of resistant bacteria.
- Pharmaceutical drug statistics provide essential data for monitoring antibiotic consumption patterns.
Purpose:
- To analyze longitudinal trends in antibiotic use in Norway from 1974 to 2007 using wholesaler drug statistics and the Norwegian Prescription Database.
- To investigate variations in antibiotic consumption based on age and sex.
- To assess the utility of available drug statistics for monitoring rational antibiotic therapy in primary healthcare.
Summary:
- Longitudinal analysis reveals persistently high narrow-spectrum antibiotic use alongside a slight increase in broad-spectrum antibiotic consumption.
- Antibiotic use patterns exhibit considerable variation by age and sex, with highest prevalence in young children, women aged 20-29, and individuals over 70.
- Over 30% of individuals in these high-prevalence groups receive at least one antibiotic prescription annually.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to optimize antibiotic prescribing, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- The study underscores limitations in current data collection, specifically the lack of diagnostic information, hindering comprehensive monitoring of antibiotic therapy rationality.
- This research provides a foundation for improving antibiotic stewardship programs and public health strategies in Norway.
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