Duration of antibiotic therapy among paediatricians: A national survey of current clinical practice in Spain.
Int J Antimicrob Agents
; 62(1): 106805, 2023 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37019243
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Appropriate duration of antibiotic treatment is a key principle to reduce the emergence of bacterial resistance and antibiotic harm. The aim of this study was to document current clinical practice among Spanish paediatricians in terms of the duration of antibiotic therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings, mapping the difference between practice and guidelines, and thus identifying opportunities to improve practice.METHODS:
A national exploratory work survey was distributed in 2020 as a questionnaire about seven main infectious syndromes in children genitourinary; skin and soft tissue; osteoarticular; ear, nose and throat; pneumonia; central nervous system; and bacteraemia. The answers were contrasted with current recommendations regarding the duration of antibiotic therapy. Demographic analysis was also performed.RESULTS:
The survey was completed by 992 paediatricians in Spain, representing 9.5% of paediatricians working in the Spanish national health system. Hospital care clinicians accounted for 42.7% (6662/15590) of responses. The antibiotic duration used in practice was longer than recommended in 40.8% (6359/15590) of responses, and shorter than recommended in 16% (1705/10654) of responses. Only 25% (249/992) and 23% (229/992) of respondents indicated that they would prescribe antibiotics for the recommended treatment duration for lower urinary tract infection and community-acquired pneumonia (AI evidence). Among severe hospital-managed infections, a tendency towards longer courses of antibiotics was found for non-complicated meningococcal infections and non-complicated pneumococcal, Gram-negative and S. aureus bacteraemia.CONCLUSIONS:
A noteworthy tendency towards prescribing antibiotics for longer than recommended among paediatricians was evidenced in this nationwide study, highlighting a wide range of opportunities for potential improvement.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Infecciones
Tipo de estudio:
Guideline
/
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Antimicrob Agents
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article