Assessment of Appropriate use of Antibiotics in Paediatric Department of A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Aim and objective: To determine the appropriate antibiotic therapy in paediatrics and evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment.

Methods: A prospective study of 9 months duration was carried out from Aug 2015-April 2016. A total 200 prescriptions were collected. The data was collected using specially designed data entry form and appropriateness is assessed with the help of IAP and NICE guidelines.

Results: Out of 200 patients, 14 were in the age group <1 year, 80 were in between 1-3 years of age, 74 were in the age group of 3-8 years and above 8-12 years were 32. Among study population the disease LRTI was the most common diagnosis in 0-1 year (Infant), AGE was the most common diagnosis in the age group 1-3 years, LRTI was mostly found in the age group of 3-8 years and 8-12 years. Significant difference was found in the age group of patient and disease encountered [p= 0.0008]. The third generation cephalosporin, Cefixime (32%) was mostly used, followed by Metronidazole (25%) and Amoxicillin (16%). The Gentamicin(3%) was given to the least patients.

Conclusion: The study concludes that over 200 prescriptions, it was found that most of the antibiotic therapy in the drug regimen is appropriate to the above mentioned guidelines, only slight variation in the drug regimen seen. It shows that the antibiotic therapy in pediatric ward is appropriate to the guidelines.