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Background <p>Vancomycin is a critical antibiotic used for serious Gram‑positive infections, particularly methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, inappropriate use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Limited evidence exists on the extent and appropriateness of vancomycin utilization in Ethiopian hospitals.</p> Objectives <p>To evaluate the prescribing pattern and appropriateness of vancomycin use in medical and pediatric wards at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH).</p> Methods <p>A retrospective cross‑sectional study was conducted among 182 patient medical records reviewed. Data were extracted using a structured checklist adapted from the Ethiopian Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG). Patient sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profiles, vancomycin prescribing pattern, appropriateness, and outcomes were assessed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Descriptive statistics were employed and results presented in tables and figures.</p> Results <p>Of 182 patients admitted, 81 (44.8%) received vancomycin, mainly for pyogenic meningitis (78.9%) and severe community‑acquired pneumonia (13.3%). Prescribing appropriateness was 84.6% for indication, 96.3% for dose, and 98.7% for frequency, but lower for duration (71.6%). All prescriptions were empirical, with no microbiological confirmation. Ceftriaxone was the most frequent co‑prescribed drug (42.0%). Among vancomycin recipients, 74.1% improved, 11.1% died, and no adverse drug reactions were documented.</p> Conclusion <p>Vancomycin utilization at BHUTH demonstrated generally appropriate indication, dosing and frequency, but all prescriptions were empirical, without microbiological confirmation, and nearly one‑third had inappropriate treatment duration. These practices increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance, especially given vancomycin’s WHO AWaRe classification as a Watch antibiotic.</p>

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Evaluation of vancomycin utilization in medical and pediatric wards: a retrospective cross-sectional study at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月31日

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  • Aliyi Gerina,
  • Woyesa Elema,
  • Netsanet Fikadu,
  • Misgana Amanual

摘要

Background

Vancomycin is a critical antibiotic used for serious Gram‑positive infections, particularly methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, inappropriate use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Limited evidence exists on the extent and appropriateness of vancomycin utilization in Ethiopian hospitals.

Objectives

To evaluate the prescribing pattern and appropriateness of vancomycin use in medical and pediatric wards at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH).

Methods

A retrospective cross‑sectional study was conducted among 182 patient medical records reviewed. Data were extracted using a structured checklist adapted from the Ethiopian Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG). Patient sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profiles, vancomycin prescribing pattern, appropriateness, and outcomes were assessed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Descriptive statistics were employed and results presented in tables and figures.

Results

Of 182 patients admitted, 81 (44.8%) received vancomycin, mainly for pyogenic meningitis (78.9%) and severe community‑acquired pneumonia (13.3%). Prescribing appropriateness was 84.6% for indication, 96.3% for dose, and 98.7% for frequency, but lower for duration (71.6%). All prescriptions were empirical, with no microbiological confirmation. Ceftriaxone was the most frequent co‑prescribed drug (42.0%). Among vancomycin recipients, 74.1% improved, 11.1% died, and no adverse drug reactions were documented.

Conclusion

Vancomycin utilization at BHUTH demonstrated generally appropriate indication, dosing and frequency, but all prescriptions were empirical, without microbiological confirmation, and nearly one‑third had inappropriate treatment duration. These practices increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance, especially given vancomycin’s WHO AWaRe classification as a Watch antibiotic.