| Title: | Antibiotic prescribing in COVID-19 patients – An Irish Perspective |
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| Author(s): | D.P. O’Sullivan, J Olaniyi, S.C. Donnelly, D Stewart, A.R. Prior |
| Institution: | Tallaght University Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | COVID 19 |
| Abstract: | Inappropriate antibiotic use is a global health issue. It is reported to be more prevalent in COVID-19 patients. Despite the low rates of bacterial co-infection, antibiotics are still frequently prescribed in this population. The CURB-65 criteria is often used to guide antibiotics in patients with suspected community acquired pneumonia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the notes of all the patients admitted with confirmed COVID-19, throughout the month of January 2021. The prevalence of PIP was determined by the CURB-65 criteria. Of the 74 patients reviewed, 66 % were male; median age was 59 [IQR; 47-71 years). 69 patients (93%) received an antibiotic, with 78% being prescribed a potentially inappropriate antibiotic. Despite low rates of bacterial co-infections in COVID-19 patients, antibiotics continue to be prescribed in these patients. PIP of antibiotics can lead to increased levels of complications such as Clostridium difficile and antibacterial resistance. In this study, the level of antibiotic prescribing in COVID-19 patients was higher than the rates previously reported in literature and the CURB-65 criteria identified a high level of PIP of antibiotics in this population. |
