Use of antibiotics in an Italian children's hospital, 1993-1995; clinical and economic considerations

Antibiotic consumption and expenditure was studied during 1993 and 1995 in G. Gaslini children's hospital, an Italian 400-bed paediatric hospital, to see if any changes in use had occurred. There was an increase in the cost o f antibacterial agents from 1993 to 1995, with a decrease in the daily cost of antibiotics and in the consumption of antiviral, antifungal and antipar asitic agents. There was a notable increase in the use of glycopeptides and carbapenems between 1995 and 1993 especially in specialities such as onco- haematology and intensive care. We suggest a basis for an antibiotic manage ment programme aimed at reducing costs while still providing a high standar d of care for patients. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. and Int ernational Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.