Evaluation of anti-infectives prescriptions in a pediatric hemato-oncological center: A retrospective study

J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2019 Dec;25(8):1811-1816. doi: 10.1177/1078155218816779. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Abstract

Introduction: A few years after the discovery and development of anti-infectives, this therapeutic feat gave way to bacterial resistance because of the overconsumption of antibiotics, most often with unjustified prescriptions. The objective was to evaluate the compliance of the prescription of antibiotherapy in the pediatric onco-hematology unit of Rabat Children's Hospital and to determine the drug interactions.

Material and methods: This is a retrospective study of anti-infectives prescriptions in pediatric onco-hematology. All prescriptions containing an antibiotic or antimycotic were isolated at the end of each month for analysis according to the ANSM standard. The variables of compliance analyzed in the prescriptions were: form, indication, posology, duration of the treatment, drug interactions and number of antibiotics which were prescribed.

Results: The prescriptions containing at least one anti-infective were 195. All the prescriptions were in conformity with their indications; 111 (57%) of the cases were conform with respect to all criteria; 20 (12%) prescriptions were not conform in their form, 12 (6.6%) contained at least one over-dosed drug and 52 (26.7%) contained at least one under-dosed drug. A drug interaction was found in 15 (7.7%) of cases, of which 12 (6.2%) are precautions for use. A drug interaction is present in 1(6,7%) cases when a single antibiotic is prescribed against 3 (20%) cases when 4 antibiotics are prescribed. (p = 0.007).

Conclusion: The number of non-compliances in our study was high. It would therefore be advisable to recommend the establishment of an information system to minimize the non-compliances and to ensure a training program for young doctors on international recommendations.

Keywords: Antibiotics; drug interaction; pediatric hemato-oncology; prescription.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents