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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
11:17

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses

Published on: August 30, 2018

Antibiotic prescribing in paediatric populations: a comparison between Viareggio, Italy and Funen, Denmark

Gaia Lusini1, Francesco Lapi, Benocci Sara

  • 1Hospital Pharmacy, ASL 9 Hospital, 58100 Grosseto, Italy.

European Journal of Public Health
|April 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric antibiotic prescribing rates were significantly higher in Viareggio, Italy, compared to Funen, Denmark. These findings suggest potential overuse and misuse of antibiotics in the Italian pediatric population, contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship
  • Public Health Policy

Background:

  • High antibiotic prescribing rates in children contribute to antibiotic resistance.
  • Limited research exists on pediatric antibiotic use in Italy.
  • International comparisons are needed to assess prescribing patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare pediatric antibiotic prescribing rates between Viareggio, Italy, and Funen, Denmark.
  • To identify differences in antibiotic utilization between the two regions.
  • To inform strategies for appropriate antibiotic use in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized 2003 reimbursement and pharmacy dispensing data.
  • Calculated antibiotic use as Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/TID).
  • Stratified data by age groups: 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-19 years.

Main Results:

  • Viareggio showed higher overall pediatric antibiotic prescribing (67 DDD/TID) than Funen (35 DDD/TID).
  • Amoxicillin and amoxicillin/enzyme inhibitors were most frequent in Viareggio; phenoxymethylpenicillin and amoxicillin in Funen.
  • Cephalosporins, particularly cefaclor, were notably used in younger age groups in Viareggio.

Conclusions:

  • Paediatric antibiotic prescription rates are substantially higher in Viareggio than in Funen.
  • Data indicate possible overuse and misuse of antibiotics in the Italian pediatric population.
  • Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to optimize antibiotic prescribing in Italy.
Abstract

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