Antimicrobial Prescribing Patterns Research Articles

Antimicrobial usage and its quantification for neonatal sepsis at a tertiary care hospital neonatal intensive care unit

Background: Antimicrobial therapy for neonatal sepsis is challenging as its judicious use can save neonates while its inappropriate use can lead to rapid emergence of resistant strains. Quantification of consumption of antimicrobial agents (AMA) has not been undertaken in Indian neonatal intensive care units (NICU) setting. This prospective observational study evaluated the antimicrobial prescribing pattern and quantified its consumption in clinically suspected neonatal sepsis (NS) cases.Methods: Clinically suspected NS cases admitted over study period of 18 months in a tertiary care level III NICU were enrolled. Data of antimicrobials prescribed, its consumption, culture sensitivity profile of organisms isolated were collected.Consumption was quantified by computing the days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days (PD).Results: 150 clinically suspected NS cases were enrolled; 37.33% were culture positive. The most common AMA prescribed were netilmicin (94.67%), piperacillin-tazobactam (88.67%). Only 0.67% cases received reserve antimicrobials like colistin, vancomycin and linezolid. 58% received 2 AMA, 39.33% received ≥3 agents. Total antimicrobial consumption was 614.86 DOT/1000 PD and 21.68 DOT/ neonate. Statistically significant difference in total AMA consumption amongst culture positive versus negative cases (p <0.001) was observed but difference was not significant in EOS versus LOS (p=0.95).Conclusion: Usage of antimicrobials for neonatal sepsis was guided by sensitivity pattern of local prevalent flora and clinical response. Usage of reserve antimicrobials were restricted. However, consumption of AB was higher compared to developed countries and we intend to use the study outcome data for antibiotic stewardship program to reduce antibiotic consumption and modify prescribing trends at the study setting.

Antimicrobial prescribing patterns in surgical inpatient of tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

Background: Antimicrobials form the cornerstone of prescriptions for treating infection. Surgical management cannot be possible without the use of antibiotics. Severity of infection, suspected spectrum of organisms and their sensitivity, co-morbidities of the patient, route of antibiotic administration are the important parameter to consider before selecting antibiotic.Methods: Cross-sectional, hospital based, descriptive study was conducted in the ward of Surgery Department of IQ City Medical college, Durgapur over a period of 1 year. The relevant information was entered into the pretested preformats (containing name, age, sex, diagnosis, ongoing treatment as recorded from patients’ prescription slips or CRFs) and analyzed. Necessary permission was granted by the Institutional Ethical Committee and written informed consent was obtained from the patients prior to collecting their prescription slips/CRF.Results: Commonest cause of hospitalization was cholelithiasis (318 (32.7%)). Antimicrobials were the most commonly prescribed drugs (1626 (31.6%)). Single antibiotic prescribing frequency are similar to two antibiotic prescribing (both 44%). Piperacillin+Tazobactum combination most commonly prescribe antibiotic.Conclusions: Beta lactam antibiotic specifically Piperacillin (ATC class: J01D) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic agents both before and after surgical procedures.

Variations in antibiotic use across India: multi-centre study through Global Point Prevalence survey

The aim of the study was to assess antimicrobial prescribing patterns, and variation in practice, in India. A point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted in October to December 2017 in 16 tertiary care hospitals across India. The survey included all inpatients receiving an antimicrobial on the day of PPS and collected data were analysed using a web-based application of the University of Antwerp. In all, 1750 patients were surveyed, of whom 1005 were receiving a total of 1578 antimicrobials. Among the antimicrobials prescribed, 26.87% were for community-acquired infections; 19.20% for hospital-acquired infections; 17.24% for medical prophylaxis; 28.70% for surgical prophylaxis; and 7.99% for other or undetermined reasons. Antibiotic prescribing quality indicators, such as reason in notes and post-prescription review score, were low. This PPS showed widespread antibiotic usage, underlining the need for antibiotic stewardship to promote evidence-based practice.

Trends of prescribing antimicrobial drugs for urinary tract infections in primary care in the Netherlands: a population-based cohort study

ObjectiveUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are an important reason to consult a general practitioner (GP). Here, we describe antimicrobial drug prescribing patterns for UTIs by GPs in relation to the Dutch...

Antimicrobial consumption and bacterial resistance pattern in patients admitted in I.C.U at a tertiary care center

BackgroundThroughout the world multi drug resistant nosocomial infections are one of the leading causes of death and morbidity among hospitalized patients. Antimicrobial resistance [AMR] has become a major problem in treatment of such infections. High consumption of antimicrobials particularly in ICUs is often described as the most important factor leading to AMR. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to study the magnitude of antimicrobial resistance amongst nosocomial pathogens and the antimicrobial prescription patterns of patients admitted in intensive care unit. MethodsThe study was conducted in I.C.U of a tertiary care government hospital in Delhi over a period of 4 months, on 100 patients admitted in I.C.U. Depending on clinical suspicion laboratory samples were collected and subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Antimicrobial prescription of these patients were collected from I.C.U records and analyzed. ObservationsStaphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella species were the most common organism [23%]. Among patients where causative organism was isolated, two or more organisms were isolated from 50% of the samples. Most of the Klebsiella species and Acinetobacter species were resistant to beta lactam group of antibiotics such as cephalosporins and piperacillin-tazobactam. 60% of isolates of S. aureus were found to be MRSA while none of the S. aureus were resistant to linezolid and vancomycin. All patients were prescribed two or more antimicrobials while 66% patients were prescribed 3–5 antimicrobials. Commonest combination was beta lactam with metronidazole followed by levofloxacin with metronidazole with addition of aminoglycosides or linezolid as third drug. Total 20 antimicrobial agents were used in the treatment of the patients. Among these consumption [in DDD/100bed days] of metronidazole was highest [100.9] followed by fluconazole [76.6] and levofloxacin [62.7]. ConclusionHigh usage of antimicrobial consumption has been noted in this study, prompting institution of measures to formulate and adherence to antimicrobial policy strictly.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Prescription Pattern among Paediatric Cancer Patients with Febrile Neutropenia

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is the most common haematological toxicity associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Individual studies are available, but national estimates on FN are required. To describe chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, its associated infection-causing organisms, and the antimicrobials prescribed, a prospective cum retrospective study was conducted for a period of 9 months, which included 50 paediatric cancer patients less than 18 years. Patients having an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 1500/mm3, having body temperature of above 38.5 °C, and receiving anti-infectives as prophylaxis were included. Patient demographic details, presenting complaints, absolute neutrophil count, and laboratory findings were noted in a patient proforma. Out of the overall 584 episodes of CIN, 188 episodes (32.2%) were of febrile neutropenia. Majority of patients were boys (70%), aged between 1 and 6 years (66%), and diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (64%). The mean ANC was 765.6 ± 235.7 × 109/l. From a total of 188 episodes of FN, in 179 episodes, patients had ANC < 500 mm3, whereas in 9 episodes, patients had ANC < 100 mm3. The predominant site of infection in these patients was bloodstream (27%), followed by urine (6%) and stool (1%). From the 51 episodes of blood culture done, the highest reported was of Staphylococcus species (49.01%). Anti-infective combinations of piperacillin/vancomycin (56%) and piperacillin/amikacin (42%) were given. Patients with positive fungal growth received Inj. amphotericin (18%) as therapy. Majority of the children undergoing chemotherapy, diagnosed with ALL, had FN. Low ANC led them susceptible to various bacterial and fungal infections. Introduction to antimicrobials and antifungals have all contributed to decreasing chemotherapy-related infections.

Clinical Impact of Rapid Point-of-Care PCR Influenza Testing in an Urgent Care Setting: a Single-Center Study.

Seasonal influenza virus causes significant morbidity and mortality each year. Point-of-care (POC) testing using rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs), immunoassays that detect viral antigens, are often used for diagnosis by physician offices and urgent care centers. These tests are rapid but lack sensitivity, which is estimated to be 50 to 70%. Testing by PCR is highly sensitive and specific, but historically these assays have been performed in centralized clinical laboratories necessitating specimen transport and increasing the time to result. Recently, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived, POC PCR influenza assays have been developed with >95% sensitivity and specificity compared to centralized PCR assays. To determine the clinical impact of a POC PCR test for influenza, we compared antimicrobial prescribing patterns of one urgent care location using the Cobas LIAT Influenza A/B assay (LIAT assay; Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) to other urgent care centers in our health system using traditional RIDT, with negative specimens being reflexed to PCR. Antiviral prescribing was lower in patients with a negative LIAT PCR result (2.3%) than in patients with a negative RIDT result (25.3%; P < 0.005). Antivirals were prescribed more often in patients that tested positive by LIAT PCR (82.4%) than in those testing positive by either RIDT or reflex PCR (69.9%; P < 0.05). Antibacterial prescriptions for patients testing negative by LIAT PCR were higher (44.5%) than for those testing negative by RIDT (37.7%), although the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, having results from a PCR POC test during the clinic visit improved antiviral prescribing practices compared to having rapid results from an RIDT.

Evaluation of the Prescription Pattern of Antimicrobial Agents in Hospitalised Paediatric Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Introduction: Infectious diseases are one of the most frequent reasons for hospital admission for children and antimicrobials are commonly used to treat them. There is higher prevalence of irrational prescriptions of antimicrobials in such population. This study was conducted to survey the pattern of antimicrobial prescription in Paediatric inpatient.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This was retrospective, descriptive, observational study. The data was collected from prescription records. The paediatric population included in the study was categorised into three age groups. A total of 87 prescriptions were studied and the information was recorded in performa. Data were recorded in MS Excel and Graph Pad Prism version 6 was used for analysis.&#x0D; Results: The number of male child was outnumbered by female child. The average age of the patient on antimicrobial prescription was 5.34 ± 2.18 years. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.17 ± 2.01 days. The common indications for antimicrobial prescriptions were upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoeal illness, urinary tract infections, enteric fever, etc. The antimicrobials prescription rate was 1.33. Oral route was found to be commonly used than parenteral route. The generic prescription rate was 33.6%. The most common drug prescribed was ceftriaxone followed by amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and amikacin. The 62.5% of antimicrobials were prescribed from National Essential List of Medicines.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study highlights the prescription pattern of antimicrobial agents in hospitalised Paediatric population in a tertiary care hospital.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Antimicrobial Prescriptions for Dogs in the Capital of Spain.

Objective: To characterize antimicrobial prescription patterns for dogs in veterinary practices in Spain using the city of Madrid as a model.Design: Retrospective survey.Settings: Dogs attending veterinary practices in the city of Madrid in 2017 were enrolled.Subjects: Three hundred dogs from 30 veterinary practices randomly selected from a set of 388 practices grouped by zip code. The inclusion criterion for dogs was treatment with antibiotics within a few days of the data collection day.Results: For the 300 dogs enrolled, 374 treatments with antimicrobials were recorded, 62.8% (235/374) were veterinary medicinal products and 37.2% (139/374) human medicinal products. The main route of administration was oral (209/374; 55.9%) followed by parenteral (100/374; 26.7%) and topical (65/374; 17.4%). Sixty-five dogs (21.7%) received a perioperative antimicrobial treatment, mainly associated with female obstetrical surgery (19/65; 29%), while 78.3% (235/300) received a pharmaceutical treatment mainly for skin (72/235; 30.6%), respiratory (47/235; 20%), or digestive (41/235; 17.4%) diseases. The most frequently used antimicrobials were beta-lactams for oral (119/209) and parenteral (79/100) administration, especially the combination amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (83/209; oral), amoxicillin alone (42/100; parenteral), and aminoglycosides (32/65) for topical use. Diagnostic confirmation with culture was carried out on only 13 out of 235 dogs receiving therapeutic treatment and nine underwent an antimicrobial susceptibility test. In addition, cytology was performed in 15 dogs.Conclusions: The pattern of antimicrobial prescriptions for dogs in our study was quite similar to that previously described in several European countries, and encompassed the same two highly interconnected key features: major use of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and a very low level of antimicrobial susceptibility testing before prescription. Consequently, we recommend that the measures for rationalizing antimicrobial prescription for dogs in Spain should follow those implemented in other countries, especially confirming the diagnosis and promoting the use of hygiene measures by owners.

169. Targets for Optimizing Oral Antibiotic Prescriptions for Pediatric Outpatients in Japan

BackgroundIn Japan, 92% of antibiotics consumed are oral agents most of which are prescribed at outpatient clinics. Universal health insurance and the full reimbursement program for children enables to patients to be treated and obtain prescriptions without any charge in the majority of institutions. Thus, it is possible that unnecessary antibiotic prescription for viral illnesses is common due to free medical access in Japan. As part of a national project to formulate an effective method of antimicrobial stewardship for pediatric outpatients, the aim of our study was to identify key targets for optimizing oral antibiotic use in children by analyzing what factors are related to their prescription in three pilot districts.MethodsWe analyzed data on oral antimicrobial prescription patterns for children aged <16 years in three districts (Setagaya ward, Fuchu city, and Kobe city) using national database in Japan. Oral prescriptions were categorized according to their class, spectrum, clinic specialization, and type of clinical setting. The antibiotic spectrum was categorized as narrow, broad, or ultra-broad.ResultsIn total 13,869,332 antibiotic prescriptions were collected for analysis. The proportions of narrow, broad, and ultra-broad spectrum antibiotics were 12.4%, 73.3%, and 14.2%, respectively. The proportions of narrow and ultra-broad spectrum antibiotics were 10.8% and 15.4% in primary care clinics and 23.4% and 5.4% in hospital, respectively. Otolaryngologists prescribed the most antibiotics to children at a rate 1.3 times higher than pediatricians (Figure 1). Dermatologists prescribed 58.7% of all tetracyclines (Figure 2). Three classes of third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, and penems were prescribed mostly by pediatricians and otolaryngologists.ConclusionUltra-broad spectrum antibiotics were prescribed more often in primary care clinics. As the use of specific oral antibiotics differ according to the specialty of each clinic, targeting the clinics specialty and the antibiotic agents used may be key to optimizing oral antibiotic use for pediatric outpatients. Figure 1: Day of therapy in the hospitals and clinics Figure 2: Ratio of clinics and hospitals in each type of antibiotics.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Similarities and differences in antimicrobial prescribing between major city hospitals and regional and remote hospitals in Australia

Many regional and remote hospitals (RRHs) do not have the specialist services that usually support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes in major city hospitals. It is not known if this is associated with higher rates of inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing. The aim of this study was to identify similarities and differences in antimicrobial prescribing patterns between major city hospitals and RRHs in Australia. The Australian Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (H-NAPS) datasets from 2014, 2015 and 2016 (totalling 47,876 antimicrobial prescriptions) were analysed. The antimicrobial prescribed, indications for use, documentation of indication, recording of a review date and assessment of the appropriateness of prescribing were evaluated. Overall, inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials was higher in RRHs than in major city hospitals (24.0% vs. 22.1%; P<0.001). Compared with major city hospitals, inappropriate prescribing of ceftriaxone was higher in RRHs (33.9% vs. 27.6%; P<0.001), as was inappropriate prescribing for cellulitis (25.7% vs. 19.0%; P≤0.001). A higher rate of inappropriate prescribing was noted for some high-risk infections in RRHs compared with major city hospitals, including Gram-positive bacteraemia with sepsis (12.6% vs. 6.5%; P=0.004), empiric therapy for sepsis (26.0% vs. 12.0%; P<0.001) and endocarditis (8.2% vs. 2.7%; P=0.02). To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest study to date comparing antimicrobial prescribing of RRHs with major city hospitals. A key finding was that antimicrobial prescribing was more frequently inappropriate for some high-risk infections treated in RRHs. Targeted strategies that support appropriate antimicrobial prescribing in RRHs are required.

Prescribing pattern of antimicrobials and adverse drug reactions in children suffering from lower respiratory tract infection in tertiary care hospital

Background: Acute respiratory tract infections are leading cause of mortality in children in India. Further, indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has led to increased drug resistance and large number of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Therefore, aim of study was to study antimicrobial prescribing pattern and record incidence and causality assessment of ADRs in pediatric in-patients having lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).Methods: In this prospective and observational study total of 300 children aged 2 months to 12 years suffering from LRTI and hospitalized for minimum 48 hrs duration were included. A descriptive analysis was carried out to determine frequency and combinations of antibiotics prescribed and causality and number of ADRs.Results: Out of 300 subjects, 70.3% of patients were males and 54.6% of cases with LRTI belonged to 2-6 months age group. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was ceftriaxone alone in 67 (22.3%) patients while ceftriaxone and amikacin was the most common 2 drug combination in 60 (20%) patients. Ceftriaxone, ampicillin and gentamicin was most common 3 drug combination in 7 (2.3%) patients. There were 49 cases (16.3%) of ADRs and maximum were in 2-6 months age group and ceftriaxone with amikacin was associated with maximum number 10 (20.4%) of cases. Diarrhoea was most frequent adverse effect associated with antibiotics in 36 (76.6%) cases.Conclusions: The use of cephalosporins (single or combination) are most commonly used drug and associated with maximum number of ADRs in 2-6 months male children with LRTI so clinicians should use them judiciously and rationally.

The positive effects of an antimicrobial stewardship program targeting outpatient hemodialysis facilities.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs are effective in optimizing antimicrobial prescribing patterns and decreasing the negative outcomes of antimicrobial exposure, including the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms. In dialysis facilities, 30%-35% of antimicrobials are either not indicated or the type of antimicrobial is not optimal. Although antimicrobial stewardship programs are now implemented nationwide in hospital settings, programs specific to the maintenance dialysis facilities have not been developed. To quantify the effect of an antimicrobial stewardship program in reducing antimicrobial prescribing.Study design and settingAn interrupted time-series study in 6 outpatient hemodialysis facilities was conducted in which mean monthly antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months during the 12 months prior to the program were compared to those in the 12-month intervention period. Implementation of the antimicrobial stewardship program was associated with a 6% monthly reduction in antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months during the intervention period (P=.02). The initial mean of 22.6 antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months decreased to a mean of 10.5 antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months at the end of the intervention. There were no significant changes in antimicrobial use by type, including vancomycin. Antimicrobial adjustments were recommended for 30 of 145 antimicrobial courses (20.6%) for which there were sufficient clinical data. The most frequent reasons for adjustment included de-escalation from vancomycin to cefazolin for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infections and discontinuation of antimicrobials when criteria for presumed infection were not met. Within 6 hemodialysis facilities, implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship was associated with a decline in antimicrobial prescribing with no negative effects.

Changes in Antimicrobial Usage Patterns in Korea: 12-Year Analysis Based on Database of the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort

National antimicrobial usage and prescription patterns during the 12 years from 2002 to 2013 were analyzed using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. Antimicrobial usage was analyzed by major illness, sex, age, area of residence, income rank, diagnosis, and type of medical institution for each year. Total antimicrobial prescriptions increased from 15.943 daily defined dose (DDD)/1,000 inhabitants/day in 2002 to 24.219 in 2013. In 2013, 72% of total prescriptions were administered in clinics. Antimicrobials were most frequently prescribed to children younger than 10 years, followed by adults aged 70 years or older and those aged 60–69 years. Penicillins and cephems were the most popular classes of antimicrobial used. In 2013, 48% of total antibiotic usage (11.683 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day) was due to respiratory diseases. After the Korean government has implemented a series of healthcare policies, antibiotic prescription decreased for the treatment of upper respiratory infection, the causative agents are mostly viruses.

Antimicrobial prescribing for children in primary care.

To describe the patterns of antimicrobial prescribing in general practice for children aged ≤18 years. This is a review of routinely collected patient data extracted from computerised medical records from 39 general practices in eastern metropolitan Melbourne over a 5-year period, 2010-2014. Proportion of paediatric consultations resulting in antibiotic prescription, type and frequency of antibiotics prescribed, antibiotic prescribing stratified by age, reason for indication and inter-practice variation. There were 744 883 consultations for 89 983 individual paediatric patients and 85 913 prescriptions for antibiotics during the study period. Of these antibiotic prescriptions, 75 410 were associated with a consultation, and 10 503 (12.2% of all prescriptions) had no associated consultation in the data. On average, one in five individual children was prescribed an antibiotic each year. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were cephalexin, amoxycillin/clavulanate, cefaclor, phenoxymethylpenicillin and roxithromycin. Less than 3% of all prescriptions were for amoxycillin. Prescribing of cefaclor and roxithromycin decreased, although cefaclor remained the third most common antibiotic choice for general practitioners. Peaks in prescribing were noted over winter months. Reason for prescription was not recorded for 82% of prescriptions. The frequency of antibiotic prescription per consultation varied substantially (2.1-19.7%) between general practitioner clinics. Overall, antibiotic prescribing decreased by 2.3% over the 5-year period. This study provides a focused examination of antibiotic prescribing practices for children in Australian general practice. More information is required to better understand specific prescribing practices in children, including the low frequency of amoxycillin prescription and ongoing prescription of cefaclor.

A study on antimicrobial agents utilization pattern using anatomical therapeutic chemical / daily defined dose system and adverse drug reaction pattern in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital in North Eastern state of India

Background: Successful use of antibiotics has brought a revolutionary change in the management of infectious diseases but has also resulted in its irrational use. Indiscriminate use of anti-microbial agents (AMAs) has been well-documented in the ICUs where polypharmacy is a common phenomenon, thus increasing the risk of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). It is extremely imperative to evaluate the prescribing pattern of antimicrobials for enabling suitable modifications in prescribing patterns; to increase the therapeutic benefits and for optimizing the health care services.Methods: With the objective to assess the prescription patterns of AMAs and the rationality of their use this observational study was undertaken in the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital for two months.Results: Of the total 127 patients, 80 (62.99%) were male and 47 (37.01%) were female at an average age of 51.3±18.3 years. 102 (80.31%) patients received AMAs at average of 1.71±0.99 and 25 (19.69%) didn’t. Betalactam antibiotics were the most frequently (72.99 %) prescribed class. Meropenem was the most commonly prescribed (41 occasions) agent. The length of stay in ICU per patient was 4.42±3.49 days. 41.63% patients had more than two morbidities. No AMAs were prescribed in generic name. In 28 (27.45%) patients the AMAs prescribing were irrational.Conclusions: The high utilization rates of costly AMAs and irrational prescriptions are matters of great concern and need to be urgently addressed by use of guidelines, surveillance and antibiotic restriction policies and sensitization programs at all level of healthcare.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ANTIMICROBIAL UTILIZATION PATTERN IN OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, PUNE, INDIA.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate antimicrobial prescription pattern in outpatient departments.Method: This was a prospective, cross-sectional and observational study over 12 weeks total 400 prescriptions of either gender and age; containing antimicrobial agents (AMAs) were analyzed for demographic data and the WHO prescribing indicators.Results: Most of prescription were given to men (n=262). The most common group of AMA used was Cephalosporins (n=141, 35.25%); of which Ceftriaxone was most commonly prescribed (n=73, 18.25%). 10 AMAs were from the WHO essential medicine list AMAs. Men outnumbered women in prescribing antibiotics (n=262 vs. 138). Most of AMAs receivers were between 26 and 35 years (n=128, 32%). Amoxicillin+Clavulanic acid fixed-dose combination was most common (n=84, 21%). Most of the prescriptions were containing four drugs per prescriptions (n=130, 32.5%). Only 10% of the prescription was given by generic name and rest 90% were given by brand name. Oral dosage form of AMAs was predominant (n=340, 85%). Vitamins and supplement were most common comedication received by patients.Conclusion: Antibiotic use was found to be reasonable and rational in most of the cases. However, still, prescribers should improve prescribing practices and make it more rational.

Drug utilization pattern and physician adherence to treatment guidelines in inpatients with urinary tract infection

Background: Mainstay of management in urinary tract infection (UTI) is antibiotics and it is seen in recent years that antibiotic resistance is increasing. However, very few treatment guidelines exist for UTI and often treating physicians may not adhere to these guidelines. Aims: Current study was undertaken to analyze antimicrobial prescription pattern and utilization, and check for physician adherence to treatment guidelines in UTI.Methods: This retrospective, record-based study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in inpatients with UTI. Tabulated data was analyzed using WHO core drug prescribing indicators and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/ Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) index. Adherence to treatment guidelines was assessed using Indian Standard Treatment Guidelines for Urology. Data documented in SPSS software was analyzed using χ2-test and multinomial logistic regression.Results: Among 364 patients included in study, equal incidence of UTI was seen in both sexes (male to female ratio 1.02:1). Prolonged hospital stay (&gt;7 days) was associated with elderly age group (OR=3.09, CI95% 1.83-5.21), complicated UTI (OR=8.11, CI95% 4.62-14.24), ESBL-producing E. coli (OR=3.07, CI95% 1.58-5.94), non-adherence to treatment guidelines (OR=8.65, CI95% 4.19-17.84), and presence of comorbid conditions like diabetes mellitus (OR=4.89, CI95% 3.05-7.82), benign prostatic hypertrophy (OR=2.76, CI95% 1.36-5.59) and utero-vaginal prolapse (OR=8.33, CI95% 2.28-30.45). Average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 1.59, while drugs prescribed by generic name and from essential drug list were 98.1% and 70.69% respectively. Majority of prescriptions (87.6%) adhered to standard treatment guidelines. Prescribed daily dose (PDD) and defined daily dose (DDD) were equal for most antibiotics prescribed.Conclusions: Majority of prescriptions were adhering to treatment guidelines but the need to prescribe using generic name and from essential drug list should be emphasised upon.

Molecular characterisation of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacterial isolates from surgical wounds of patients at a hospital in North Central Nigeria.

This study aimed to characterise extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacterial isolates from patients with surgical site infections (SSIs) at a tertiary healthcare facility in Abuja, Nigeria. Consecutive, non-duplicate wound swabs were collected over a 3-month period from wounds of patients with SSI and were cultured appropriately. Bacterial isolates were identified using rapid identification kits. The modified agar disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and phenotypic ESBL activity of the isolates was determined using the double-disk synergy test (DDST). PCR was thereafter used for molecular characterisation of the isolates. A total of 57.1% (20/35) of the bacterial isolates were Gram-negative, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7/20; 35.0%) being the most prevalent. The isolates exhibited varying degree of antimicrobial resistance, with resistance as high as 100% for ampicillin and amoxicillin. Phenotypic ESBL production was observed in 65.0% (13/20) of the Gram-negative bacterial isolates. DNA analysis revealed that 61.5%, 53.8% and 38.5% of the isolates harboured blaSHV, blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes, respectively, with 30.8% of the isolates co-harbouring blaSHV and blaCTX-M. Similarly, 23.1% of the isolates harboured blaSHV and blaTEM, whilst 15.4% harboured blaCTX-M and blaTEM. However, none of the investigated isolates harboured a blaOXA gene. The prevalence of ESBL genes among Gram-negative SSI pathogens is high. This calls for an urgent need to review infection control policies and antimicrobial prescription patterns as well as increased surveillance of ESBLs as the possibility of an epidemic outbreak of multidrug-resistant pathogens in the hospital is high.

Antibiotic Prescription Pattern in Surgical Wards of MGM Hospital, Kamothe

Background: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis refers to a brief course of antibiotic given just before surgery. Surgical site infection increases the hospital stay and prophylaxis has the potential to shorten hospital stay and fasten return to normal activity after discharge from the hospital. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to observe and analyse antimicrobial prescription pattern in patients that had undergone surgery at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This was a prospective case series study, with 200 patients irrespective of age or gender, presented to the surgical wards of a tertiary hospital and undergoing surgical intervention, conducted from October 2016 to April 2017. Permission of the institutional ethics committee was obtained before commencement of the study. Data was collected from all patients with the help of predesigned, pretested, and structured questionnaires. By comparison with international guidelines and national guidelines, the antibiotic prescription patterns were assessed. The researchers also observed whether a fixed protocol was followed for antimicrobial use for surgical prophylaxis. Results: Overall, 200 patients were studied, with a mean age of 40.2 and a range of 23 to 70 years old with 64% being males and 36% being females. The surgeries of these patients were hernioplast 36%, PCNL 8%, haemorrhoidectomy 20%, appendicectomy 4%, hydrocoel surgery 16%, lipoma excision 12%, and cholecystectomy 4%. The percentages of antibiotics used for these surgeries were cefotaxime 44%, amikacin 88%, ceftriaxone 52%, metronidazole 30%, and cefixime 54%. These were then compared with the International and National guidelines for surgical prophylaxis. Conclusions: Third generation cephalosporins were the preferred antibiotics for pre-operative use as well as for use in combination with aminoglycoside and metronidazole for better postoperative antibiotic coverage. This seems to be due to multiple factors in Indian settings, which makes Indian practitioners administer antibiotics for a prolonged duration.