RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Because infections are a major driver of morbidity and mortality in children with hematologic or oncologic diseases, antimicrobials are frequently prescribed in pediatric oncology practice. However, excess or inappropriate use of antimicrobials is directly linked to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Although point-prevalence studies have examined the extent of antimicrobial use, a comprehensive qualitative evaluation of individual antimicrobial prescriptions remains lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify appropriate versus inappropriate antimicrobial use among pediatric cancer patients in a point-prevalence study, followed by an expert panel adjudication process and a subsequent report of these findings to participating centers. This study also aims to improve the quality of patient care by informing centers about discrepancies between internal standards of care and national guidelines. METHODS: Our point-prevalence study is performed at pediatric cancer centers in Germany and Austria. All patients under 18 years old who are hospitalized at the time of the study are included. As a supplement to the point-prevalence study, an expert panel is qualitatively assessing each of the antimicrobial prescriptions at the participating centers to review local guidelines and compare them with national guidelines. RESULTS: As of December 2021, the point-prevalence survey has been conducted at 30 sites and expert panel adjudication for qualitative assessment of each antimicrobial use is ongoing. Results of the study are expected in 2022. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first point-prevalence study conducted among pediatric cancer centers with an integrated, multistep, qualitative approach that assesses each antimicrobial prescription. The results of this study will inform possible interventions for internal guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship programs implemented at pediatric cancer centers. In addition, local guidelines will be compared with national guidelines. Furthermore, this study will contribute to the overall integration of antimicrobial stewardship principles and initiatives in pediatric oncology and hematology, thereby improving safety and quality of care for children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/35774.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Representative, population-based epidemiologic data for gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus (RV) are rare. RV vaccines were first licensed in Europe in 2006 and recommended in 5 western federal states in 2008 or thereafter. This study establishes a baseline for assessing the impact of vaccination and delineates the RV disease burden in Germany today. METHODS: Nationwide data obtained from hospitals for children 0 to 10 years of age and transferred to the Federal Statistical Office were analyzed retrospectively. Acute gastroenteritis cases because of RV were identified by the International Classification of Diseases code (ICD-10) combined with the referring diagnosis-related group code. Coding quality was validated by random sampling the patient records (n=1003). Crude and age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years were calculated. The rate ratios of seasonal effects and recommended immunization adjusted for year, federal state and age were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010, 5,843,730 children were hospitalized; 520,606 cases were hospitalized because of acute gastroenteritis. RV caused 152,636 of these cases or an age-standardized rate of 302 hospitalizations per 100,000 person-years. Rates were slightly higher in boys than girls, decreased with age, and differed by federal state, year and season. Rate ratios decreased in those western federal states that recommended immunization and were inversely associated with vaccine doses sold. CONCLUSIONS: With an average of 25,440 children hospitalized yearly, RV infection has a great impact on the German healthcare system. Our findings indicate that RV immunization will lead to a decline in in-patient treatment and associated costs.
