Uso degli antibiotici in età pediatrica: riflessioni e azioni

Abstract

The annual report on the national use of antibiotics in Italy for the year 2022 was published by AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency). The report confirms an increase in antibiotic use post-pandemic, particularly in the paediatric population. There is a notable discrepancy in the prescription patterns, with a preference for second-line antibiotics over first-line choices. Regional differences in prescription rates highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve prescribing practices. The WHO AWaRe classification system is used to assess antibiotic use, revealing that a significant portion of antibiotics prescribed belong to the ‘Watch’ category, indicating broad-spectrum antibiotics. This raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance and the need for more judicious prescribing practices. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and macrolides, despite guidelines recommend first-line agents like amoxicillin. The report emphasises the importance of aligning prescribing practices with evidence-based guidelines to optimise antibiotic use and combat resistance. Strategies such as promoting shared decision-making with parents, implementing local improvement projects and fostering a culture of stewardship among healthcare providers are crucial for driving positive change in antibiotic prescribing practices and mitigating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.