A Prospective Observational Study on Rational Use of Antibiotics for Paediatric Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Antibiotic drug overuse and inappropriate antibiotic drug selection are associated with increased drug resistance among respiratory pathogens (most notably, Streptococcus pneumoniae), possible progression to chronic disease, and increased treatment costs.[1] The selection of an antibiotic for prophylaxis should be based on known or likely target pathogens, for a short duration of time. Objective: To evaluate Rational use of antibiotics in Paediatric patients suffering from Respiratory tract infections. Method: It was Prospective, observational study conducted by random selection of patients. Based on diagnosis, the study population was categorized into 2 groups: Upper respiratory tract infections and Lower respiratory tract infections. The study population was interviewed after obtaining written informed consent for information like demographics, diagnosis, treatment and antibiotics prescribed. Results and Discussion: In our study population, it was observed that male patient (74%) were higher than female patients (26%). Total number of antibiotics prescribed during the study period is 83. Most commonly prescribed antibiotic was Augmentin (Amoxicillin +Clavulanic acid) of dose (450mg IV BD) which is the combination drug, i.e, more effective than individual antibiotic drugs. Conclusion: In the present study it is observed that 4-different classes of antibiotics-Pencillins,Cephalosporins,Macrolides and Aminoglycosides were prescribed and used for different Respiratory diseases.The percentage of average antibiotic utilization is highest in Lower Respiratory Tract Infection with (55.22%).Mostly used Antibiotic in males for both LRTI and URTI is Augmentin with the percentage of (52%) and (80%) respectively.Where as in females it is observed that in both LRTI and URTI mostly used Antibiotic is Augmentin with percentage of (38.8%) and( 80%) respectively.Overall Second mostly used antibiotic is Ceftriaxone. Keywords: pediatrics, lower and upper respiratory tract infections, antibiotics.