Evaluating Pediatric Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns And Their Impact On Antimicrobial Resistance In Severe Microbial Infections

Abstract

Microbial infections in pediatric patients are a major public health concern, especially in cases of critical illness. Overprescription and misuse of antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum types like ceftriaxone, contribute significantly to the rise in antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to identify the common microbial infections among critically ill children and to analyze the prescribing patterns of antibiotics, especially ceftriaxone, in a pediatric hospital setting. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric ward of Ayub Medical Complex, Abbottabad, from February to April 2023. Clinical and demographic data were collected from 100 admitted patients aged 1 month to 14 years. Patients with infectious diseases were included; those with non-infectious conditions were excluded. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Out of 100 patients, 70% were male and 30% female; 63% belonged to rural areas. The most frequently diagnosed infections were lower respiratory tract infections and sepsis. Ceftriaxone was prescribed to 79% of patients, regardless of confirmed infection status. Although 97% of patients showed clinical improvement, 3% did not respond and remained hospitalized. The median recovery period was 4 days. Ceftriaxone was the most prescribed antibiotic, often used without organism-specific diagnosis. This indicates a pattern of overuse, which can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and unnecessary healthcare costs. The findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted antibiotic prescribing practices based on confirmed microbial identification to improve patient outcomes and reduce resistance risks.

Keywords: Microbial Infections, Antibiotics, Misuse, Antimicrobial resistance, Peads