A PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF ANTIBIOTICS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION OF A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL-A PROSPECTIVE, OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Antibiotics, pediatric, Antibiotic resistance, Prescribing Pattern, WHO core indicator, Infection
Abstract
Background: Antibiotics are indispensable in pediatric healthcare, especially considering children's heightened vulnerability to bacterial infections, which can pose life-threatening risks. The judicious use of antibiotics is paramount to combatting infections effectively while mitigating the emergence of resistance.
Methodology: A prospective observational study, conducted at Parul Sevashram Hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, focused on assessing the prescribing patterns of antibiotics in pediatric patients. Over ten months, 155 patients aged between 1 month to less than 17 years were included, with data collected on demographic details, clinical diagnoses, and antibiotic prescriptions. The analysis of prescription patterns was benchmarked against the World Health Organization's core indicators, revealing significant insights.
Results: The study highlighted a predominance of male participants (65.16%) and a notable highest age group of children aged 2 to 11 years. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was Amoxycillin & Potassium Clavulanate (26.07%) and the most prevalent infection type was digestive system infections (26.35%). The average number of medications per prescription was high at 10.87. Furthermore, the study identified a concerning trend of parenteral antibiotic administration exceeding recommended levels. Despite the majority of antibiotics being prescribed (100%) from the National List of Essential Medicines, the adherence to 65.16% prescribing generic medications fell short of the WHO's recommended threshold. The prevalence of pathogenic organisms E. Coli (38.10%), emphasised the necessity for targeted treatment strategies.
Conclusion: The pattern of antibiotic prescriptions was inconsistent as a result of polypharmacy, high parenteral use and non-adherence to the generic drug. Prophylactic antibiotic use, particularly in the reproductive system, raised concerns regarding potential overuse and misuse. Continued education and awareness initiatives among healthcare providers are essential to combat antibiotic resistance effectively and align prescribing practices with global guidelines.
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Bhumika Panchal
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Dr. Apurva K. Vaishnav
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Dr. Mrudangsinh M Rathod
Head of Pharm D Programme, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India,