Antibiotic usage in a pediatric medical center
S. H. Naqvi, L. M. Dunkle, K. J. Timmerman, R. M. Reichley, D. L. Stanley and D. O'Connor
Antibiotic usage in a large pediatric teaching hospital was evaluated
during a three-month period. A total of 1,067 patients received antibiotics
and 295 patient records were reviewed. One hundred sixty-nine courses of
antibiotics were administered to surgical patients, 77% for surgical
prophylaxis. One hundred forty-seven antibiotic courses administered to
medical patients were therapeutic in 61.2% and in 35.3% were given because
of suspicion of infection. Ampicillin was the most commonly used
antibiotic; cephalosporins were used for surgical prophylaxis.
Aminoglycosides were used commonly for suspected infection in medical
patients. Antibiotic management was inappropriate in 66% of surgical
patients and in 21% of medical patients. Not obtaining appropriate studies
prior to and during therapy were common infractions on all services.
Surgical prophylaxis was freqently inappropriate by reason of no
indication, wrong drug or dose, or inappropriate timing.
