Audit of aminoglycosides usage.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate the usage patterns of aminoglycosides in pediatric patients for their appropriateness. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted over a period of six months at J.S.S. Hospital, Mysore. Patients who received parenteral aminoglycosides and below the age of 12 years were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 197 pediatric patients were evaluated for the appropriateness and was found to be 72%, 86%, 85%, 43% & 53% for indication, dose, duration, safety and cost effectiveness respectively. Majority of the patients were treated with gentamicin (53%). The most frequent indication was respiratory tract infections (50%). CONCLUSION: Effort was made to encourage judicious and quality use of aminoglycosides among the pediatricians of J.S.S. Hospital to ensure better patient care by implementation of the aminoglycosides guidelines.