European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

NEONATAL CARE UNIT ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY IN THE CHILDREN WELFARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

*Aamer J. Alsudani, Firas H. Qamber and Sanna N. Muhamed Hasan

ABSTRACT

Background: Antibiotics are commonly used medication in neonatal care units (NCU) as sepsis regard the main cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in preterm infants. Consequently, practitioners in NCU have to use empirical antibiotics. Frequently prescribe empirical antibiotics while awaiting culture results. Unfortunately, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or prolonged treatment of empirical antibiotics may result in adverse effects including the emergence of antibiotic resistance microorganisms, prolonged hospitalization and increased cost. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are effective in common neonatal pathogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementing strategies for wise and scientific use of antibiotics. A cross-sectional method was performed to during the period from 1st of April 2017 to 28th of February 2018 in neonatal care (NCU) ward in Child Welfare Teaching Hospital. Results revealed that the most admitted neonates were male 66%, age of neonates at admission time mostly ≥7 days(67.5%) and around 64% with CRP positive, regard duration of treatment mostly more than 14 days(42.5%). Pathogens isolated 51.2% Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus spp. 17.5% and acinatobacter boumania 15% respectively. Antimicrobial prescribed Carbapenems(Meropenem) 40%, Glycopeptides(Vancomycin) 37.5% and Aminoglycosides (Amikacin) 17.5%. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in NICU and are lifesaving in most of a serious infection, in the other hand overuse of antibiotics has potential risk of negative effects to neonates. Conclusions: Most neonatal pathogens isolated by cultures are susceptible to narrow-spectrum antibiotics and common. There is high consumption of broad spectrum antibiotics in the NCU.

Keywords: Antibiotic; Empirical; Neonatal care unit; microorganisms; Infection; culture.