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

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

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Inese Sviestina1, Dzintars Mozgis2

  • 1University Children's Hospital, Riga, Latvia; Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|October 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed antibiotic prescribing in Latvian hospitals, finding high use of certain cephalosporins and parenteral antibiotics in children. Improvements are needed in antibiotic guidelines and prophylaxis duration.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship
  • Hospital Pharmacy

Background:

  • The Antibiotic Resistance and Prescribing in European Children (ARPEC) Project aimed to assess antimicrobial use in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding current prescribing patterns is crucial for developing targeted quality improvement strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze pediatric and neonatal antimicrobial prescribing patterns in Latvian hospitals.
  • To identify areas for quality improvement in pediatric antibiotic use.

Main Methods:

  • A one-day, cross-sectional point prevalence survey was conducted in 10 Latvian hospitals in November 2012.
  • All inpatient pediatric and neonatal beds were included, identifying children on antimicrobial treatment.

Main Results:

  • 549 patients were included; 39% of pediatric and 21% of neonatal patients received antimicrobials.
  • Third-generation cephalosporins were most prescribed for pediatric patients; benzylpenicillin and gentamicin for neonates.
  • Lower respiratory tract infections were the most common indication; parenteral administration and prolonged surgical prophylaxis were frequent.

Conclusions:

  • High use of third-generation cephalosporins and parenteral antibiotics requires attention.
  • Prolonged surgical prophylaxis and lack of local antibiotic guidelines are areas for improvement.
  • Targeted interventions are needed to optimize pediatric antimicrobial prescribing in Latvia.
Abstract

Keywords:
Hospitalized childrenParenteral antibioticsPoint prevalence surveyThird-generation cephalosporins

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