Pattern and appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections in primary care paediatric patients

Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children seen by primary care paediatricians (PCPs). Methods: Data were collected from face-to-face interviews administered to a sample of parents of outpatient children aged 0-14 years in two regions in Southern Italy. To be eligible, children had to be diagnosed with sinusitis, pharyngotonsillitis, otitis media, bronchitis, influenza or a common cold. The presence of an indication of antibiotic therapy was evaluated according to national and international guidelines. Results: An antibiotic prescription was indicated in 57 (10.1%) of the sampled patients, of whom 33.3% did not receive an antibiotic prescription; among the 508 patients for whom an antibiotic prescription was not indicated, 27.4% received a prescription. Of all PCP consultations, 72% were appropriate (an antibiotic was prescribed when indicated and not prescribed when not indicated), whilst an antibiotic prescription not indicated by guidelines was given to 24.6% of the participants, and 3.4% of the sample did not receive an antibiotic prescription when indicated. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. A rapid microbiological examination was performed in two patients. Conclusions: The study findings highlight a high rate of sub-optimal antibiotic therapeutic profile. Overprescription of antibiotic therapy and the use of broad-spectrum molecules are widespread in children with URTIs. Antibiotic under-prescription, which may deprive paediatric patients of an effective treatment when indicated, also occurs. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd and International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This cross-sectional study investigates the pattern of antibiotic prescription for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children seen by primary care paediatricians (PCPs). The study found a high rate of sub-optimal antibiotic therapy, with overprescription and the use of broad-spectrum molecules being common. Antibiotic under-prescription also occurs, depriving paediatric patients of effective treatment when indicated.