title: Prophylactic antibiotics in pediatric surgery.
abstract: The frequency and appropriateness of prophylactic antibiotic use in children less than 6 years of age who received surgery were examined. Antibiotics were prescribed for 62% of children who had surgery, and prophylaxis was the sole reason for antibiotic use in 73% of the patients. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered inappropriately with respect to timing or duration to 42% of the children receiving preoperative prophylaxis, 67% receiving intraoperative prophylaxis, and 55% receiving postoperative prophylaxis. Thus, prophylaxis alone is the major indication for antibiotic use in pediatric surgical patients, and prophylactic antibiotics are frequently administered inappropriately.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011292:Premedication; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents