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Antibiotic prescribing trends in a pediatric population in Lithuania in 2003-2012: Observational study

Egle Karinauske1, Skaiste Kasciuskeviciute1, Vilma Morkuniene2

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

Medicine
|November 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic consumption in Lithuanian children rose 8.4% from 2003-2012, with macrolides usage increasing 5.9 times. Most prescriptions were for viral infections, often using broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pharmacology
  • Public health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern.
  • Understanding pediatric antibiotic prescribing patterns is crucial for antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Lithuania's healthcare system provides data for analyzing national trends.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in antibiotic consumption among children in Lithuania from 2003 to 2012.
  • To evaluate antibiotic prescription rates in the pediatric population.
  • To identify common indications and prescribed antibiotic classes.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Data on systemic antibiotic use in the pediatric outpatient population was obtained from the National Health Insurance Fund database.
  • Consumption was measured in Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 1000 children per day and prescription rates per 1000 children per year.

Main Results:

  • Total antibiotic utilization increased by 8.40% (5.67 to 6.19 DDD/1000 children/day) and prescription rates by 5.96% (585.84 to 622.97 prescriptions/1000 children/year) between 2003 and 2012.
  • Macrolides showed the most significant increase, with utilization rising 5.9 times (0.27 to 1.66 DDD/1000 children/day).
  • In 2012, acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, and acute pharyngitis were the most common indications, frequently treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, often for viral infections.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic consumption and prescription rates in Lithuanian children showed a consistent increase from 2003 to 2012.
  • Macrolides emerged as the most rapidly increasing antibiotic group.
  • The study highlights a trend of prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics for conditions, including viral infections, indicating potential areas for antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

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