Publication:

Evaluation of antibiotic utilization pattern in indoor patients of obstetrics and gynaecology in a tertiary care hospital of central India

Background Understanding prescribing patterns is vital to address irrational antibiotic use, a key contributor to antimicrobial resistance. The aim of the study was to evaluate antibiotic prescription practices among hospitalized patients and examine the presence of an antibiotic stewardship program in a tertiary care hospital. The findings may aid in developing stewardship initiatives to promote rational antibiotic use.

Methods A prospective observational study was conducted from March 1 to August 30, 2024, at Government Medical College and Hospital, Gondia, Maharashtra. Data were collected using WHO prescribing drug indicators and analysed using SPSS Version 25.

Results The mean difference in final and initial serum creatinine values were observed to be 0.32 and 0.52 with a standard deviation of 0.228 and 0.387 in AM and GM group respectively. This difference was statistically significant with p value of 0.007. The mean difference in final and initial creatinine clearance values were observed to be 18.82 and 24.76 with a standard deviation of 10.14 and 11.93 in AM and GM group respectively. This difference was also statistically significant with p value of 0.013. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 9 out of 50 patients (18%) in AM group out of which 12% were male and 6% were female whereas in case of GM group nephrotoxicity occurred in 16 out of 50 patients (32%) in which 26% were male and 6% were female.

Conclusions Prescribing patterns deviated from WHO indicators, with high empirical use. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and increasing microbiological testing are essential to improve antibiotic practices.