Retracted: Drug Utilization Pattern of Antibiotics in Neonatal intensive care unit in a Tertiary Care Hospital, India

Article retracted

Millions of babies are admitted to neonatal intensive care units worldwide, with a significant proportion facing various indications. Given that sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among infants globally, including in India, the importance of efficient antibiotic use cannot be overstated. As the global problem of drug resistance intensifies, prudent antibiotic usage becomes crucial in mitigating treatment failures and ensuring the survival of newborns. Aim: to evaluate the pattern of antimicrobial drug utilization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to assess the criteria for drug selection in tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods. It was an observational prospective study conducted for six months in which 200 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit at tertiary care Hospital, were included. Demographic details, duration of hospital stay, reason for admission (disease pattern), various drugs prescribed were noted. Results. Out of 200 neonates the number of male babies admitted to neonatal intensive care unit were 115 (57.5%) and female babies were 85 (42.5%). Many of the neonates were from age group of 1 to 5 (58.5%) days. Most of the neonates were from weight group of 2.5 to 3 (26.5%) kg. Majority of neonates hospital admission duration was 3 to 6 days is 98 (49%) neonates. Most common disorder requiring neonatal intensive care unit admission was Preterm with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (29%) followed by Neonatal Sepsis (19.5%) and Preterm (11%). Other distress reported include birth asphyxia (16 neonates or 8%), Neonatal convulsions (12 neonates or 6%), Late preterm (13 neonates or 6.5%), Hypernatremia (9 neonates or 4.5%), Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (3 neonates or 1.5%), Neonatal Hypoglycemia (5 neonates or 2.5%) and others (23 neonates or 11.5%). Among 423 antibiotics most prescribed antibiotic was Inj. Piperacillin + Tazobactam (35.4%) followed by Gentamycin (30.2%). Out of 423 drugs 152 are fixed dose combination and single drugs are 271 in this study in which piperacillin + tazobactam of fixed dose combination and gentamicin dose combination and single drugs are 271 in this study in which piperacillin + tazobactam of fixed dose combination and gentamicin of single drug had prescribed in more amount.

Conclusion. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics in the NICU, thereby providing insights for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding antibiotic therapy. Empirical antibiotics were administered to every newborn based on their individual conditions. The antibiotic utilization pattern within this study group was determined to be rational.

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