1263 Antibiotic Prescribing for Children in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Objectives and aims: The injudicious use of antibiotics is closely related to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic prescribing habits in a pediatric emergency department (PED).

Methods: We retrospectively examined the records of children up to 14 years old, visiting the pediatric emergency department of a public teaching hospital (Kalamata, Greece) from January to December 2009, which were discharged home with an antibiotic prescription.

Results: During the study period 8732 children visited the PED, while 13,1% received an antibiotic prescription. 1148 children were identified with a median age of 5 years (0,2 -14 years). 25%-75% of children ranged from 3 to 8 years old. 56,4% were Greek, 21,6% were Roma and 22% of another nationality. A slight prevalence of males (54,8%) was noticed. The most common diagnoses leading to an antibiotic prescription were: upper respiratory tract infections (53,1%), lower respiratory tract infections (20,4%), skin infections and prevention of skin infections (15,7%), gastrointestinal infections (8,4%) and urinary tract infections (2,4%). Fever was present in 63,8% of cases. Most prescriptions were recorded in March.

Conclusions: Antibiotics are medications frequently prescribed in PED. Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common cause for antibiotic prescription. Physician's continuous therapeutic information and education is necessary in order to prevent inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.

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