Published online Oct 26, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i30.7302
Peer-review started: September 12, 2023
First decision: September 25, 2023
Revised: September 27, 2023
Accepted: October 8, 2023
Article in press: October 8, 2023
Published online: October 26, 2023
Carbapenem antibiotics are a pivotal solution for severe infections, particularly in hospital settings. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria owing to the irrational and extensive use of carbapenems underscores the need for meticulous management and rational use. Clinical pharmacists, with their specialized training and extensive knowledge, play a substantial role in ensuring the judicious use of carbapenem. This study aimed to elucidate the patterns of carbapenem use and shed light on the integral role played by clinical pharmacists in managing and promoting the rational use of carbapenem antibiotics at Wenzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital.
To analyze carbapenem use patterns in our hospital and role of clinical phar
We performed a retrospective analysis of carbapenem use at our hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. Several key indicators, including the drug utilization index, defined daily doses (DDDs), proportion of antimicrobial drug costs to total hospitalization expenses, antibiotic utilization density, and utilization rates in different clinical departments were comprehensively analyzed.
Between 2019 and 2021, there was a consistent decline in the consumption and sales of imipenem-cilastatin sodium, meropenem (0.3 g), and meropenem (0.5 g). Conversely, the DDDs of imipenem-cilastatin sodium for injection increased in 2020 and 2021 vs 2019, with a B/A value of 0.67, indicating a relatively higher drug cost. The DDDs of meropenem for injection (0.3 g) exhibited an overall upward trend, indicating an increasing clinical preference. However, the B/A values for 2020 and 2021 were both > 1, suggesting a relatively lower drug cost. The DDDs of meropenem for injection (0.5 g) demonstrated a progressive increase annually and consistently ranked first, indicating a high clinical preference with a B/A value of 1, signifying good alignment between economic and social benefits.
Carbapenem use in our hospital was generally reasonable with a downward trend in consumption and sales over time. Clinical pharmacists play a pivotal role in promoting appropriate use of carbapenems.
Core tip: This study explored the utilization patterns of carbapenem antibiotics and highlighted the significant role of clinical pharmacists in their management at Wenzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital. These findings indicate a decline in the consumption and sales of specific carbapenems and an increase in the preference for certain types of carbapenems. The study concluded that the hospital’s use of carbapenems is generally reasonable, emphasizing the crucial contribution of clinical pharmacists in promoting appropriate antibiotic use.