Antibiotic Overuse in Paediatric Gastroenteritis: A descriptive cross-sectional study from Children's Hospital: Antibiotic Overuse in Paediatric Gastroenteritis

Mumtaz Ali Bharo; Ubedullah Bahalkani; Pardeep Kumar; Asif Ali Khuhro; Iftikhar Haider Shah; Muhammad Zaki

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i6.3095

Authors

Mumtaz Ali Bharo Department of Paediatrics, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital, Sukkur, Pakistan
Ubedullah Bahalkani Department of Paediatrics, Khairpur Medical College, Khairpur Mirs, Pakistan
Pardeep Kumar Department of Paediatrics, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani, Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat, Pakistan
Asif Ali Khuhro Department of Paediatrics, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani, Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat, Pakistan
Iftikhar Haider Shah Department of Paediatrics, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani, Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat, Pakistan
Muhammad Zaki Department of Paediatrics, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital, Sukkur, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i6.3095

Keywords:

Pediatric Gastroenteritis, Antibiotics, Antimicrobial Resistance, Oral Rehydration Therapy, Dehydration

Abstract

There is a major role of gastroenteritis in pediatric patients. Knowing about prescription trends is very useful in optimizing treatment and minimizing the use of unnecessary medication. Objective: To assess the frequency of antibiotic prescriptions in children with gastroenteritis and evaluate the appropriateness of these prescriptions based on clinical criteria and the impact this line of management has on the duration of their hospital stay. Methods: A total number of participants was n= 200 children, diagnosed as gastroenteritis. Demographic, clinical and antibiotic data were collected. SPSS version 21.0 was used in performing statistical analysis with p < 0.001 as the level of significance. Results: In 200 children with gastroenteritis (mean age 4.5 ± 2.3 years; weight 14.2 ± 4.1 kg), 50% had severe dehydration, 60% had fever, and 75% had vomiting. IV rehydration was required in 65%, with a mean hospital stay of 24.2 ± 5.5 hours. Inappropriate antibiotic use occurred in 75% of cases. Dehydration (OR = 3.50), fever (OR = 1.87), and inappropriate antibiotic use (OR = 2.75) significantly predicted IV rehydration (all p < 0.001). Dehydration and inappropriate antibiotic use also significantly prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: Antibiotic prescription rates for pediatric gastroenteritis are extremely high and alarmingly, the majority of them are inappropriate.

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