Impact of age on antimicrobial prescriptions in hospitalized children at three academic centres in South Africa: a point prevalence survey

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat in children, and the emergence of multi-drug-resistant organisms is of concern. This secondary analysis of an antimicrobial point prevalence survey (PPS) in children evaluates the impact of age on antimicrobial use. The mean antimicrobial prescriptions were assessed in neonates, infants, young children (1-5 years), school-going children (6-12 years), and adolescents (13-15 years) from a cross-sectional PPS at three academic hospitals between September 2021 and January 2022. Primary and secondary diagnoses, antibiotic type (World Health Organization AWaRe and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classifications), and the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) were evaluated per age category. Multiple regression models were used to analyse age-related risk factors for HAI. The number of antimicrobials per child (1.7-1.9 per patient) was higher in neonates and infants compared to children 6-12 years old (1.4 per patient). Watch antibiotics, especially carbapenems, were commonly prescribed in neonates (32.5%) and infants (42.2%). Reserve antimicrobial use was notable in neonates (4.7%) and infants (4.1%). The incidence risk ratio (IRR) of HAI was higher in neonates and infants (IRR 2.13; 95% CI 1.23-3.70, IRR 2.20; 95% CI 1.40-3.45, respectively) compared to 6- to 12-year-olds. On multivariate analysis of participants according to age, being HIV infected, length of stay >6 days, high McCabe severity score, having surgery and receipt of blood transfusion were associated with an increased risk of HAI (P < .001 for all) while on univariate analysis only, being premature and/or underweight was associated with an increased risk of HAI in infants (P < .001 for both). Infants with risk factors for HAI significantly influenced antimicrobial prescribing, underscoring the necessity for tailored antimicrobial stewardship and enhanced surveillance. The increased use of Watch antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, in infants warrants closer scrutiny. Further research is required to identify inappropriate antimicrobial use in high-risk hospitalized young children.