ASSESSMENT OF MEDICATION USE PATTERN FOR MANAGING NOENATAL SEPSIS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a burning problem globally due to irrational use of antibiotics. Drug utilization study is a strong tool for evaluating rational use of antibiotics. Objective: To evaluate the drug utilization pattern, to assess the risk factors associated with Neonatal sepsis & to encourage rational prescribing for these patients in tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study in NICU of tertiary care hospital for duration of one year. Case record forms were used to collect the information regarding demographic details, maternal and delivery details, symptoms and co-morbidities in neonates with sepsis, final diagnosis and medications administered. Antimicrobials and other drugs use data such as selection of drug, dosage form and route of administration, duration were collected as per WHO guideline for drug utilization study (core indicators) and were analyzed using SPSS. Results and Discussion: Majority of the patient (42.85%) had low birth weight of less than 2.5 kg. Prematurity is a major cause of low birth weight (less than 2.5kg). 82.5% of patients admitted were from early onset sepsis group which may be because of the fact that during early neonatal age neonates are more vulnerable to infection. We observed that all the patients received antibiotics, with majority (76.1%) of the patients were given 2 antimicrobials (cefotaxime in 54% of patients & amikacin in 39% of patients). The GARDP aims to develop an antimicrobial regimen for the empiric treatment in neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: Periodic analysis of drugs used in neonatal sepsis facilitates rational use of drugs in neonates to avoid adverse effects to their immature body functions. It also helps to establish therapeutic guidelines so that over usage of antimicrobials can be controlled and rationalize the drug usage.