Antibiotic usage in a pediatric medical center

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Abstract
Antibiotic usage in a large pediatric teaching hospital was evaluated during a 3 mo. period. A total of 1067 patients received antibiotics and 295 patient records were reviewed. Of 169 courses of antibiotics administered to surgical patients, 77% were for surgical prophylaxis. Antibiotic courses (147) administered to medical patients were therapeutic in 61.2% and 35.3% were given because of suspicion of infection. Ampicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic; cephalosporins were used for surgical prophylaxis. Aminoglycosides were used commonly for suspected infection in medical patients. Antibiotic management was inappropriate in 66% of surgical patients and in 21% of medical patients. Not obtaining appropriate studies prior to and during therapy were common infractions on all services. Surgical prophylaxis was frequently inappropriate by reason of no indication, wrong drug or dose or inappropriate timing.