Antibiotic stewardship in perinatal and neonatal care

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis driven by widespread use and misuse.
• Neonates receive antibiotics frequently, often empirically, due to infection risks or non-specific symptoms.
• Emerging evidence links perinatal antibiotic exposure to microbiome alterations and adverse health effects in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review controversies surrounding perinatal antibiotic use.
• To identify strategies for reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure in neonates.
• To propose a framework for antibiotic stewardship in neonatal intensive care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of antibiotic use in pregnancy and neonatal periods.
• Analysis of current antibiotic stewardship principles and practices.
• Synthesis of evidence on microbiome alterations and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Perinatal antibiotic exposure can disrupt the developing microbiome.
• Unnecessary antibiotic use increases risks of resistance and adverse health outcomes.
• Effective antibiotic stewardship is essential for improving neonatal care.

Conclusions:

• Reducing non-essential antibiotic exposure in neonates is critical.
• Implementing robust antibiotic stewardship programs can mitigate risks.
• Optimizing antibiotic use protects neonates from immediate and long-term harm.