[Evolution of antimicrobial use during the years 1996-2000 in a general hospital. A detailed ICU study].
OBJECTIVE
Antimicrobials are a mayor part of hospital pharmacy budgets and must be considered in resource planning and spending projections. This study describes the profile of antibiotic use at a medium-sized hospital (by examining the ICU separately) and analyses its evolution over the period 1996-2000.


METHODS
Descriptive and retrospective study. Pharmacy records were reviewed to identify oral and parenteral antimicrobial agents administered to inpatients. Results were expressed in Daily Defined Doses (DDD) per 100 stays and day.


RESULTS
During the five-year study period 176.162 DDD / 100 s-d of antibiotics were consumed in the ICU, whereas in the rest of the hospital usage was much lower (54.540 DDD / 100 s-d). Aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, penicillins, glycopeptides and carbapenems were the most commonly used groups of antimicrobials in the ICU, and penicillins, cephalosporins, trimethoprim/sulfonamide combinations, aminoglycosides and quinolones in the rest of the hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
ICUs have some special features which make them different to the rest of inpatient areas. Because of that fact we consider important to study this specific patient-care area separately.
Hermosilla Nájera
L
L
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Farmacia UPV/EHU, Vitoria, 01006 Spain.
Canut Blasco
A
A
Ulibarrena Sanz
M
M
Abásolo Osinaga
E
E
Abecia Inchaurregui
L C
LC
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents