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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
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Antibiotic prescribing trends in a paediatric sub-population in Ireland

C Keogh1, N Motterlini, U Reulbach

  • 1HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
|January 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic prescribing rates in Irish children remained stable but were higher than in some European countries. A quality improvement intervention is recommended to optimize antibiotic use.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pharmacology
  • Public health
  • Health services research

Background:

  • Antibiotic prescribing patterns in children are not well-documented in Ireland.
  • Understanding these patterns is crucial for public health and antimicrobial stewardship.
  • International comparisons can highlight areas for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate antibiotic prescribing trends in Irish children.
  • To determine the associated costs of antibiotic prescriptions.
  • To compare Irish prescribing patterns with European data.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of the Irish Health Services Executive (HSE) pharmacy claims database (2004-2009).
  • Data included General Medical Services (GMS) scheme recipients, representing 28% of Irish children.
  • Prescribing rates were analyzed by time, age, and gender, with statistical comparisons using negative binomial regression.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotic prescribing rates remained stable between 2004 and 2009 (approx. 620-630 per 1000 population).
  • Co-amoxiclav became the most prescribed antibiotic by 2009.
  • Total antibiotic costs increased from €4.4 million to €6.0 million, and Irish rates were higher than European benchmarks.

Conclusions:

  • Age and gender trends align with international findings.
  • Ireland exhibits higher overall antibiotic prescribing rates compared to some European nations.
  • A quality improvement intervention targeting antibiotic prescribing is necessary.
Abstract

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