scholarly journals Variation in Outpatient Oral Antimicrobial Use Patterns among Canadian Provinces, 2000 to 2010

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiona K Glass-Kaastra ◽  
Rita Finley ◽  
Jim Hutchinson ◽  
David M Patrick ◽  
Karl Weiss ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The volume and patterns of antimicrobial drug use are key variables to consider when developing guidelines for prescribing, and programs to address stewardship and combat the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens. Because drug programs are regulated at the provincial level, there is an expectation that antibiotic use may vary among provinces.OBJECTIVE: To assess these potential differences according to province and time.METHODS: Provincial antimicrobial prescribing data at the individual drug level were acquired from the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance for 2000 to 2010. Data were used to calculate two yearly metrics: prescriptions per 1000 inhabitant-days and the average defined daily doses per prescription. The proportion of liquid oral prescriptions of total prescriptions was also calculated as a proxy measure for the proportion of prescriptions given to children versus adults. To assess the significance of provincial antimicrobial use, linear mixed models were developed for each metric, accounting for repeated measurements over time.RESULTS: Significant differences among provinces were found, as well as significant changes in use over time. Newfoundland and Labrador was found to have significantly higher prescribing rates than all other provinces (P<0.001) in 2010, as well as the mean of all other provinces (P<0.001). In contrast, Quebec exhibited significantly lower prescribing than all other provinces (P<0.001 for all provinces except British Columbia, where P=0.024) and the mean of all other provinces (P<0.001).DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Reports of reductions in antimicrobial use at the Canadian level are promising, especially prescribing to children; however, care must be taken to avoid the pitfall of the ecological fallacy. Reductions are not consistent among the provinces or among the classes of antimicrobial drugs dispensed in Canada.

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiona K Glass-Kaastra ◽  
Rita Finley ◽  
Jim Hutchinson ◽  
David M Patrick ◽  
Karl Weiss ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Because antimicrobial use is commonly associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance, monitoring the volume and patterns of use of these agents is very important.OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of macrolide and lincosamide (ML) antimicrobials within Canadian provinces over time, and to compare use rates with those reported by European countries.METHODS: Antimicrobial prescribing data were used to develop two yearly metrics: prescriptions per 1000 inhabitant-days (PrIDs) and the mean defined daily doses (DDDs) per prescription, which were then used to build linear mixed models to assess differences among provinces over time.RESULTS: After accounting for repeated measures over time, prescribing rates (PrIDs) varied significantly according to province and year (P<0.001). However, little change occurred within each province over the time frame studied; from 1995 to 2010, each province had a PrID change <0.01. Quebec and British Columbia had significantly lower prescribing rates than all other provinces. No overall secular trend was apparent. In contrast, the DDDs per prescription did not vary significantly according to province, but showed a significant year-to-year increase.DISCUSSION: ML prescribing varied among provinces in Canada between 1995 and 2010, but remained relatively stable within each province. The average DDDs per ML prescription did not vary according to province, but increased linearly over time. These increases are likely to indicate that fewer prescriptions are being written for children over time, a practice supported by good antimicrobial stewardship principles.


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiona K Glass-Kaastra ◽  
Rita Finley ◽  
Jim Hutchinson ◽  
David M Patrick ◽  
Karl Weiss ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring the volume and patterns of use of antimicrobial agents is important in light of antimicrobial resistance.OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of three antimicrobial groups – tetracycline, sulfonamide-trimethoprim and ‘other’ antimicrobials – within Canadian provinces over time.METHODS: Prescription counts from 1995 to 2010 were acquired for the tetracycline and sulfonamide-trimethoprim groups of antimicrobials, and from 2001 to 2010 for the ‘other’ antimicrobial group. Linear mixed models were produced to assess differences among provinces and over time while accounting for repeated measurements. Prescription rate, defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitant-days and defined daily doses per prescription measures for the year 2009 were also compared with those reported by participating European Union countries to determine where Canadian provinces rank in terms of antimicrobial use among these countries.RESULTS: Prescribing of all three groups varied according to province and over time. Tetracycline and sulfonamide-trimethoprim group prescribing were significantly reduced over the study period, by 36% and 61%, respectively. Prescribing of the ‘other’ antimicrobial group increased in all provinces from 2001 to 2010 with the exception of Prince Edward Island, although by varying amounts (10% to 61% increases).DISCUSSION: The overall use of antimicrobials in Canada has dropped from 1995 to 2010, and the tetracycline and sulfonamide-trimethoprim groups have contributed to this decline. The use of the ‘other’ antimicrobials has increased, however. These results may suggest that switches are being made among these groups, particularly among the antimicrobials used to treat urinary tract infections.


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiona K Glass-Kaastra ◽  
Rita Finley ◽  
Jim Hutchinson ◽  
David M Patrick ◽  
Karl Weiss ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Because antimicrobial use is commonly associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance, monitoring the volume and patterns of use of these agents is important.OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of quinolone antimicrobials within Canadian provinces over time.METHODS: Antimicrobial prescribing data collected by IMS Health Canada were acquired from the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and the Canadian Committee for Antimicrobial Resistance, and were used to calculate two yearly metrics: prescriptions per 1000 inhabitant-days and the mean defined daily doses (DDDs) per prescription. These measures were used to produce linear mixed models to assess differences among provinces and over time, while accounting for repeated measurements.RESULTS: The quinolone class of antimicrobials is used similarly among Canadian provinces. Year-to-year increases in quinolone prescribing occurred from 1995 to 2010, with a levelling off in the latter years. Year-to-year decreases in the DDDs per prescription were found to be significant from 2000 to 2010.DISCUSSION: Although the overall use of antimicrobials differs significantly among Canadian provinces, the use of the quinolone class does not vary at the provincial level. Results suggest that prescribing of ciprofloxacin may be a potential target for antimicrobial stewardship programs; however, decreases in the average DDDs per prescription suggest continued uptake of appropriate treatment guidelines.


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiona K Glass-Kaastra ◽  
Rita Finley ◽  
Jim Hutchinson ◽  
David M Patrick ◽  
Karl Weiss ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: β-lactam antimicrobials are the most commonly prescribed group of antimicrobials in Canada, and are categorized by the WHO as critically and highly important antimicrobials for human medicine. Because antimicrobial use is commonly associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance, monitoring the volume and patterns of use of these agents is highly important.OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of penicillin and cephalosporin antimicrobials within Canadian provinces over the 1995 to 2010 time frame according to two metrics: prescriptions per 1000 inhabitant-days and the average defined daily doses dispensed per prescription.METHODS: Antimicrobial prescribing data were acquired from the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and the Canadian Committee for Antimicrobial Resistance, and population data were obtained from Statistics Canada. The two measures developed were used to produce linear mixed models to assess differences among provinces and over time for the broad-spectrum penicillin and cephalosporin groups, while accounting for repeated measurements at the provincial level.RESULTS: Significant differences among provinces were found, as well as significant changes in use over time. A >28% reduction in broad-spectrum penicillin prescribing occurred in each province from 1995 to 2010, and a >18% reduction in cephalosporin prescribing occurred in all provinces from 1995 to 2010, with the exception of Manitoba, where cephalosporin prescribing increased by 18%.DISCUSSION: Significant reductions in the use of these important drugs were observed across Canada from 1995 to 2010. Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec emerged as divergent from the remaining provinces, with high and low use, respectively.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S86-S86
Author(s):  
Ann F Chou ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Makoto M Jones ◽  
Christopher J Graber ◽  
Matthew B Goetz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background About 30–50% of inpatient antimicrobial therapy is sub-optimal. Health care facilities have utilized various antimicrobial stewardship (AS) strategies to optimize appropriate antimicrobial use, improve health outcomes, and promote patient safety. However, little evidence exists to assess relationships between AS strategies and antimicrobial use. This study examined the impact of changes in AS strategies on antimicrobial use over time. Methods This study used data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare Analysis & Informatics Group (HAIG) AS survey, administered at 130 VA facilities in 2012 and 2015, and antimicrobial utilization from VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Four AS strategies were examined: having an AS team, feedback mechanism on antimicrobial use, infectious diseases (ID) attending physicians, and clinical pharmacist on wards. Change in AS strategies were computed by taking the difference in the presence of a given strategy in a facility between 2012–2015. The outcome was the difference between antimicrobial use per 1000 patient days in 2012–2013 and 2015–2016. Employing multiple regression analysis, changes in antimicrobial use was estimated as a function of changes in AS strategies, controlling for ID human resources in and organizational complexity. Results Of the 4 strategies, only change in availability of AS teams had an impact on antimicrobial use. Compared to facilities with no AS teams at both time points, antibiotic use decreased by 63.9 uses per 1000 patient days in facilities that did not have a AS team in 2012 but implemented one in 2015 (p=0.0183). Facilities that had an AS team at both time points decreased use by 62.2 per 1000 patient days (p=0.0324). Conclusion The findings showed that AS teams reduced inpatient antibiotic use over time. While changes in having feedback on antimicrobial use and clinical pharmacist on wards showed reduced antimicrobial use between 2012–2015, the differences were not statistically significant. These strategies may already be a part of a comprehensive AS program and employed by AS teams. In further development of stewardship programs within healthcare organizations, the association between AS teams and antibiotic use should inform program design and implementation. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Yi Li ◽  
Meng Hao ◽  
Xiaoyan Jiang ◽  
Jiucun Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Few studies have been conducted to investigate the association of kidney function decline with the trajectories of homocysteine (Hcy) over time, using repeated measurements. We aimed to investigate the association of kidney function with changes in plasma Hcy levels over time. Methods: Data were collected from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study. In detail, plasma Hcy and creatinine levels were measured in both waves (waves 2, 3 and 4) during the 3.5-year follow-up (N = 1135). Wave 2 was regarded as the baseline survey. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on creatinine. Subjects were categorized into four groups according to quartiles of eGFR at baseline. Linear mixed-effect models were used to investigate the association of eGFR with subsequent plasma Hcy levels. Results: The mean eGFR at baseline was 90.84 (11.42) mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean plasma Hcy level was 14.09 (6.82) at baseline and increased to 16.28 (8.27) and 17.36 (10.39) μmol/L during follow-ups. In the crude model, the interaction between time and eGFR at baseline was significant (β = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.02 to −0.01, p = 0.002). After adjusting for confounding factors, a significant relationship remained (β = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.02 to −0.01, p = 0.003), suggesting that kidney function decline at baseline was associated with a faster increase in Hcy levels. Conclusion: Kidney function decline is associated with a more pronounced increase in plasma Hcy levels. Further studies with longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes are needed to validate our findings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Hetal N. Jeeyani ◽  
Rutvik H. Parikh ◽  
Sheena Sivanandan ◽  
Harsh J. Muliya ◽  
Shivam N. Badiyani ◽  
...  

Background: Inappropriate use and overuse of antibiotics are important factors leading to increased bacterial resistance apart from increased risk of adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to derive antibiotic use percentage, study its pattern and compare antibiotic prescribing indicators with standard indicators.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from 1st August 2018 to 31st July 2019 on paediatric inpatients from 1 month to 14 years. All the relevant data was taken from the case records of patients at the time of discharge. The data included: age, sex, hospital stay, clinical diagnosis and details of antimicrobial treatment.Results: From 989 patients, 85.9% were diagnosed with infectious illness, of which 60.1% had viral and 36.7% had bacterial infection. The use of antimicrobial drugs was 42.7% and antibiotics was 40.4%. The mean number of antibiotics received was 1.13±0.31. 90% patients received single antibiotic. 88.8% drugs were prescribed by generic name and 99% drugs were prescribed from essential drug formulary. 17 different antibiotics were used out of which ceftriaxone (62.5%) was the most commonly used. Groupwise, antibiotic use was cephalosporins (68.4%), penicillin (20.2%), aminoglycosides (4.31%), fluoroquinolones (0.9%) and macrolides (0.22%). The use of higher antibiotics like vancomycin (3.86%) and carbapenems (0.68%) was quite less.Conclusions: The antibiotic use in our hospital was higher than the WHO standard but less as compared to majority of other studies. Use of cephalosporins was more and penicillin was less as compared to other studies. This suggests that there is a need of implementing antibiotic stewardship programs to enhance rational antibiotic prescribing.


Author(s):  
Barbara Cvenkel ◽  
Maja Sustar ◽  
Darko Perovšek

Abstract Purpose To investigate the value of pattern electroretinography (PERG) and photopic negative response (PhNR) in monitoring glaucoma compared to standard clinical tests (standard automated perimetry (SAP) and clinical optic disc assessment) and structural measurements using spectral-domain OCT. Methods A prospective study included 32 subjects (32 eyes) with ocular hypertension, suspect or early glaucoma monitored for progression with clinical examination, SAP, PERG, PhNR and OCT for at least 4 years. Progression was defined clinically by the documented change of the optic disc and/or significant visual field progression (EyeSuite™ trend analysis). One eye per patient was included in the analysis. Results During the follow-up, 13 eyes (40.6%) showed progression, whereas 19 remained stable. In the progressing group, all parameters showed significant worsening over time, except for the PhNR, whereas in the stable group only the OCT parameters showed a significant decrease at the last visit. The trend of change over time using linear regression was steepest for the OCT parameters. At baseline, only the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre (pRNFL) thicknesses significantly discriminated between the stable and progressing eyes with the area under the ROC curve of 0.72 and 0.71, respectively. The inter-session variability for the first two visits in the stable group was lower for OCT (% limits of agreement within ± 17.4% of the mean for pRNFL and ± 3.6% for the GCC thicknesses) than for ERG measures (within ± 35.9% of the mean for PERG N95 and ± 59.9% for PhNR). The coefficient of variation for repeated measurements in the stable group was 11.9% for PERG N95 and 23.6% for the PhNR, while it was considerably lower for all OCT measures (5.6% for pRNFL and 1.7% for GCC thicknesses). Conclusions Although PERG and PhNR are sensitive for early detection of glaucomatous damage, they have limited usefulness in monitoring glaucoma progression in clinical practice, mainly due to high inter-session variability. On the contrary, OCT measures show low inter-session variability and might have a predicting value for early discrimination of progressing cases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1957) ◽  
pp. 20211129
Author(s):  
Darren P. Croft ◽  
Michael N. Weiss ◽  
Mia L. K. Nielsen ◽  
Charli Grimes ◽  
Michael A. Cant ◽  
...  

Mounting evidence suggests that patterns of local relatedness can change over time in predictable ways, a process termed kinship dynamics. Kinship dynamics may occur at the level of the population or social group, where the mean relatedness across all members of the population or group changes over time, or at the level of the individual, where an individual's relatedness to its local group changes with age. Kinship dynamics are likely to have fundamental consequences for the evolution of social behaviour and life history because they alter the inclusive fitness payoffs to actions taken at different points in time. For instance, growing evidence suggests that individual kinship dynamics have shaped the evolution of menopause and age-specific patterns of helping and harming. To date, however, the consequences of kinship dynamics for social evolution have not been widely explored. Here we review the patterns of kinship dynamics that can occur in natural populations and highlight how taking a kinship dynamics approach has yielded new insights into behaviour and life-history evolution. We discuss areas where analysing kinship dynamics could provide new insight into social evolution, and we outline some of the challenges in predicting and quantifying kinship dynamics in natural populations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s37-s38
Author(s):  
Angela Beatriz Cruz ◽  
Jennifer LeRose ◽  
Avnish Sandhu ◽  
Teena Chopra

Background: Inappropriate antimicrobial use continues to threaten modern medicine. The ongoing pandemic likely exacerbated this problem because COVID-19 presents similarly to bacterial pneumonia, confusion exists regarding treatment guidelines, and testing turnaround times (TATs) are slow. Our primary object was to quantify antimicrobial use changes during the pandemic to rates before the crisis. A subanalysis within the COVID-19 cohort was completed based on SARS-CoV-2 status. Methods: The pre–COVID-19 period was January–May 2019 and the COVID-19 period was January–May 2020. Subanalyses were used to explore differences in antibiotics use between persons not under investigation (non-PUIs), SARS-CoV-2–negative PUIs, and SARS-CoV-2–positive PUIs. Non-PUI patients were those without respiratory symptoms and/or fever. The χ2 and Wilcoxon signed rank-sum tests were used for analysis. Results: During the 2019 and 2020 study periods, 7,909 and 7,283 patients received >1 antimicrobial, respectively (Figure 1). Overall, antibiotic therapy per 1,000 patient days increased from 633.1 before COVID-19 to 678.5 during COVID-19, a 7.2% increase (Table 1). Notably, broad-spectrum respiratory antibiotics demonstrated a significant increase between pre–COVID-19 and COVID-19 cohorts (p < 0.001). Of the 7,283 patients within the COVID-19 cohort, 34.7% (n = 2,532) were PUI and 13.8% (n = 1,002) of these patients tested SARS-CoV-2 positive. Again, broad-spectrum respiratory antibiotics use was significantly increased for COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001). Of note, the proportion of patients receiving respiratory antibiotics steadily decreased over time (R2 = 0.99). Conclusions: There was a significant increase in antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouragingly, antimicrobial use decreased over time, likely due to (1) faster TATs, (2) real-time education to clinicians and subsequent de-escalation of unnecessary antimicrobials, and (3) development of treatment guidelines as new research emerged.Funding: NoDisclosures: None


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