Analysis of the use of imipenem at a University Hospital following the restructuring of an antimicrobial audit system

Abstract

This study analyzed the use pattern of imipenem following the restructuring of the antimicrobial audit system at a University Hospital. It was an observational study before and after the restructuring of the antimicrobial audit system in a University Hospital from May to August and then from September to December 2006. The criteria of the rational use of imipenem were obtained from a non-systematic revision of the literature. The collection of data on the general characteristics and clinical state of the patient, the infection and the established therapy was carried out in a previously tested instrument. Data was recorded, revised and analyzed in a database built with the software SPSS® for Windows® PC, version 10.0. The statistical analysis had a descriptive character: frequencies, mean, median and standard deviation. No differences were encountered in relation to the appropriate indication, consumption and clinical outcomes of patients. However, there was a reduction of 4 to 1 (75.0%) in the number of associations with spectrum superposition and an increase of 4 to 8 (50.0%) in the change of therapy. The restructuring of the antimicrobial audit system in the studied hospital did not reflect significantly the increase of the appropriate indication of imipenem. It contributed, however, to the reduction of the inappropriate associations of this antibiotic and to changes of therapy, without, however, compromising the quality of services rendered to patients. Key-Words: Imipenem, drug use review, drug use evaluation, audit system, antimicrobial policy