Antibiotic Utilization Pattern in Pediatrics Unit South – South of Nigerian Teaching Hospital
10.15520/jmbas.v8i2.211
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Background to study
Irrational prescribing of antibiotics in the pediatrics units is a global concern which requires periodic evaluation and monitoring. The concern is due to antimicrobial resistance emergence and an overall rise in health care cost as well as non-adherence to standard guidelines in prescription pattern.
Objective: The study aimed to assess the utilization pattern of antibiotics in the pediatrics unit of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Method: A retrospective cross sectional study of inpatient and outpatients in the unit who were diagnosed with one or more infection that required the use of at least one antibiotic, between January 2018 and June 2019, was conducted. A total of 249 cases were reviewed. Data extracted from the patients’ folders include demographic information; antibiotic prescribed; indication for which the antibiotic was prescribed; dosage forms; route of administration; and number of antibiotics per prescription.
Result: There were more male, 137(55%) patients than the female. The highest, 83(33%) number of these children were less than 12months (1year) old, and the least number, 21(9%), were 12years to 18years old. Overall children below 5 years 153(61.4%) received more antibiotics than the 5 years and above. Upper respiratory tract infection (n=80) was the most frequently diagnosed infection while bronchopneumonia ranked fourth. Cephalosporin class n=142(57%) of antibiotics particularly cefuroxime was the most commonly prescribed followed by the penicillin with Amoxicillin –Clauvanic acid, n =56(22%) being the most used. Oral route of administration (86.3%) was mostly employed with suspension dosage form (53%) the highest. Level of parenteral route was 11.6%.
Conclusion: Parenteral route of antibiotic use falls within WHO recommendation, but antibiotic prescription here was largely empirical. Cephalosporin class and Penicillin group are the most commonly utilized antibiotics in this unit.
How to Cite
Mgbahurike A.A., Ojiyi I.D, Chijioke-Nwauche I. N. (2020). Antibiotic Utilization Pattern in Pediatrics Unit South – South of Nigerian Teaching Hospital. Journal of Medical Biomedical and Applied Sciences , Cilt 8 Sayı 2 (2020) , 337-342 . https://doi.org/10.15520/jmbas.v8i2.211