Doctors’ preferences in the choice of antibacterial drugs in pregnant women (PIKAP study)

BackgroundThe use of rational and safe antibiotic therapies for pregnant women remains an important issue within the medical community.ObjectiveTo analyze the preferences in the choice of antimicrobial drugs (AMD) among obstetricians-gynecologists of Central Russia in treatment of infectious diseases in pregnancy.MethodsThis is anonymous survey of obstetrician and gynecology specialists conducted in Central Russia between September 1st, and November 30th, 2017. Study included five healthcare facilities (ambulatory and in-patient), located in regional center, city Belgorod. Questionnaire contained six open-ended questions to evaluate AMD preferences in treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis or genitalium, Ureaplasma species, acute cystitis, pyelonephritis, and other conditions, such as placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction. Descriptive statistics was used including absolute and relative frequencies, minimum and maximum values, mean, frequency of prescribing AMD, and their proportion in the total number prescribed.ResultsA total of 52 responses were included in final analysis. There was significant rate of 15.4% of prescribing pregnancy unsafe (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines) or non-rational AMD or deviation from existing clinical protocols and guidelines.ConclusionsThere were large variations in provider's AMD preference between healthcare facilities.