Misuse of antimicrobial agents in neonatal units: a cross-sectional survey in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the justification for the use of antimicrobial agents and to verify the possibility of its misuse among inpatient neonates. A cross-sectional 1-day study was conducted. Two questionnaires A and B relating to inpatient neonates were filled by registrars working in the four neonatal units of the main regional hospitals [Maternity, Farwaniya, Adan, and Jahra]. The objectives of the study were not revealed to the registrars. Of the 119 patients, 57 [48%] were on antimicrobial agents, and the cultures yielded positive in 25/57 [44%]. The organisms were reported not to be susceptible to the antimicrobial agents in use in 19/25 [76%] of the cases, but it was continued in 4/19 [21%]. Antimicrobial agents were also continued in another 9/32 [28%] despite negative culture results. Misuse of antimicrobial agents was homogeneously observed at various levels in all neonatal units. This implies that urgent action should be taken to overcome this problem: