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Restricted antibiotic use in the clinical center of montenegro
Dzana Lukac1, Tanja Vojinovic2, Pinaki Dutta3
1Clinical Center of Montenegro, Ljubljanska bb, Podgorica, Montenegro.
Background:
In this century, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a major public health problem, because it is a leading cause of death worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance is caused by the overprescription of antibiotics as well as self-medication. In 2010, antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed medications according to the Montenegrin Institute of Public Health. To reduce side effects, improve treatment efficacy, and prevent AMR, it is necessary to have greater control and help formulating national and international level policies over antibiotic prescription and their use.
Aims:
This research focuses on the analysis of requests for the dispensing of reserve antibiotics and the justification of their prescription and use.
Materials And Methods:
In the Clinical Center of Montenegro, 174 requests for restricted antibiotics were retrospectively analyzed.
Results:
Data analysis of 174 requests for restricted antibiotics determined that an antibiogram has been performed in only 21.84% of cases, which means that there were 78.16% of cases of empirical antibiotic use. In 72.25% of cases, restricted antibiotics were included in therapy without prior use of unrestricted antimicrobial therapy.
Conclusions:
Based on data analytics, it can be concluded that using restricted antibiotics in therapy is not completely in line with rational antibiotics implementation. Restricted antibiotics are used without culture sensitivity tests in more than 2/3rd of cases. Similarly, restricted antibiotics were used as first-line therapy.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis. This study found restricted antibiotics are often used empirically and without prior unrestricted therapy, indicating suboptimal prescription practices.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, contributing to mortality worldwide.
- Overprescription and self-medication are primary drivers of AMR.
- In 2010, antibiotics were the most prescribed medications in Montenegro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the justification of prescription and use of reserve antibiotics.
- To evaluate the adherence to rational antibiotic use guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 174 requests for restricted antibiotics.
- Data collected from the Clinical Center of Montenegro.
Main Results:
- Antibiograms were performed in only 21.84% of cases, leading to empirical antibiotic use in 78.16%.
- Restricted antibiotics were initiated without prior unrestricted therapy in 72.25% of cases.
- Over two-thirds of restricted antibiotic prescriptions lacked culture sensitivity testing.
Conclusions:
- The use of restricted antibiotics in therapy is not fully aligned with rational antibiotic implementation.
- A significant proportion of restricted antibiotic prescriptions bypass necessary diagnostic tests.
- Restricted antibiotics are frequently employed as first-line treatments, contrary to recommended guidelines.
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