Abstract

CHAVERRI-FERNANDEZ, José Miguel et al. Review of the use of broad spectrum antibiotics in the private hospital setting in Costa Rica. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2014, vol.56, n.4, pp.158-162. ISSN 0001-6002.

Background: Errors in prescribing broad spectrum antibiotics lead to problems of bacterial resistance, this has decreased the pharmacological options for treating patients, and increased hospitalization stay and mortality. Methods: This study included patients treated at the Clinica Biblica Hospital from September 1st, 2012 to February 28, 2013 that received at least one IV dose of a broad-spectrum antibiotic. A total of 392 clinical records were analyzed. The documents and information required for the analysis of each patient´s case was gathered. Results: Intensive Care Medicine and Internal Medicine were largely responsible for prescribing the antibiotics included in this study. In 68% of cases, the first dose was prescribed to hospitalized patients and in 57% of cases other antibiotics were used along with the broad spectrum ones. In 52% of the cases analyzed, a bacterial culture was not performed in order to justify the use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Regarding patients that used broad spectrum antibiotics, 15% to 45% had a prior history of allergy to other antibiotics. In 36% of cases the antibiotic strategy was modified during hospitalization. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop a protocol to manage broad spectrum antibiotics in this hospital, in which the criteria to use each antibiotic is described in order to standardize such use.

Keywords : Antibiotic; use of drugs; hospital.

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