Uso racional de antibióticos utilizados en infecciones pediátricas más comunes en el hospital San Vicente de Paúl de Pasaje, 2023

Abstract

The rational use of antibiotics in pediatric infections is essential to combat confirmed or highly probable effective bacterial infections, thus minimizing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and unnecessary adverse effects. This involves carefully selecting the antibiotic based on the type of bacteria and its sensitivity profile, as well as administering the appropriate dose for the period necessary to completely eliminate the infection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the rational use of antibiotics in pediatric infections at the San Vicente de Paúl Hospital in the Pasaje canton, during the period from January to December 2023, through an exhaustive analysis of medical records. This approach aims to promote safer and more effective prescribing practices, while seeking to minimize potential adverse reactions associated with inappropriate antibiotic use. Using a retrospective cross-sectional design, the medical records of 207 hospitalized pediatric patients were reviewed to identify the most prevalent infections and analyze antibiotic prescribing patterns. Among the most common infections were bacterial meningitis and community-acquired pneumonia, which represented 19.8% and 17.9% respectively of the total cases. Furthermore, an unequal distribution will be observed by age groups, with neonates and infants making up 48.3% of treated patients. Regarding antibiotic treatment, ceftriaxone was found to be the most used drug, especially for cases of bacterial meningitis and pneumonia, thus highlighting the critical importance of appropriate antibiotic use in pediatrics to mitigate antimicrobial resistance and improve clinical outcomes.