Use of Antimicrobial Drugs in General Hospitals: IV. Infants and Children

Abstract

Use of antimicrobial drugs was studied among 933 randomly selected infants and children hospitalized in 20 short-stay general hospitals in Pennsylvania [USA]. Of pediatric patients, 22% received antimicrobial drugs, 5% of neonates and 57% of patients aged 12-18 mo. Of the 265 antimicrobial courses administered to these children, 68% consisted of penicillin or a penicillin analog. Ampicillin was the single drug most frequently administered and was given in 32% of all courses. Penicillin or penicillin analogs and aminoglycosides were the only antimicrobial drug groups administered to neonates. Of antibiotic courses, 79% were initiated for proved or suspected infections and 17% were initiated to prevent infections associated with surgical or non-surgical invasive procedures. Cultures were associated with the initiation of 84% of courses among neonates and 39% of courses among children 6-9 yr of age. Information from data derived from randomly selected general hospitals is provided to permit a statement of norms of practice with respect to use of antimicrobial drugs in pediatric populations.