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Aminoglycoside prescription: compliance with national guidelines in a pediatric hospital

S Manen1, C Bost-Bru2, I Wroblewski1

  • 1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|August 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Aminoglycoside use in children in acute care settings shows significant non-compliance with national guidelines. Optimizing dosing and monitoring in pediatric intensive care units and refining initiation criteria in emergency departments are crucial for efficacy and to combat drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background:

  • Aminoglycosides (AGs) are critical antibiotics in pediatric acute care.
  • Adherence to national recommendations for AG use is essential for optimal outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the current utilization patterns of aminoglycosides in pediatric patients within acute care settings.
  • To assess the compliance of AG prescriptions with the latest French national guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • A single-center retrospective study was conducted over five months.
  • Included pediatric patients receiving at least one dose of AGs in emergency or intensive care units.
  • Compliance with 2011 French recommendations was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • 153 AG prescriptions for 139 pediatric patients were analyzed (gentamicin and amikacin).
  • Compliance with national guidelines was observed in only 50% of prescriptions.
  • Misuse included inappropriate indications in emergency departments and underdosing/lack of monitoring in pediatric intensive care units.

Conclusions:

  • Aminoglycoside prescribing in pediatric acute care settings requires improvement.
  • Higher doses and consistent therapeutic drug monitoring are recommended, especially in pediatric intensive care units.
  • Clearer criteria for initiating AGs are needed in emergency departments to ensure appropriate use and combat resistance.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute settingsAminoglycosidesAntibioticsCompliancePediatricsPrescription

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