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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
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Prescribing Patterns of Antibiotics in Pediatric Wards of Secondary Care Centers: A Retrospective Study Based on WHO

Afia Tariq Butt1, Sobia Ramzan1, Dania Shabbir2

  • 1Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Global Pediatric Health
|November 1, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, especially in children. This study found high rates of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in pediatric pneumonia, highlighting the need for better prescribing to combat AMR.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causes significant mortality globally.
  • Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to AMR due to antimicrobial misuse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate antibiotic prescribing patterns in pediatric wards.
  • To assess adherence to the WHO AWaRe classification for antibiotic use.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, cross-sectional, multicentric study.
  • Analysis of 6934 pediatric encounters across 4 secondary care hospitals.
  • Utilized the WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotics prescribed in 78.1% of encounters; IV administration was predominant (98.6%).
  • Ceftriaxone (45.8%) and third-generation cephalosporins (54.4%) were most common.
  • Pneumonia had the highest prescription rate (99.9%), with >80% Watch group antibiotics used.

Conclusions:

  • High rates of Watch group antibiotic use in pediatric pneumonia observed.
  • Urgent need for interventions to optimize antibiotic prescribing in pediatrics.
  • Mitigating AMR requires targeted strategies to improve antibiotic stewardship.

Keywords:
WHO AWaRe classificationantibiotic prescribing patternsantimicrobial resistancepediatric wards

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