COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN BROAD-SPECTRUM AND NARROW-SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS USED

Objective: The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of empiric treatment with broad-spectrum therapy versus narrow-spectrum therapy for a patient hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in Latur, Maharashtra, India. Methods: An institutional-based retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in an intensive care unit from December 2023 to May 2024. The data was collected using a patient profile form and analyzed using the data analysis tool Microsoft Excel. Mann-Whitney U test was used to associate dichotomous variables. A P-value of (0.03) was of significant statistics. Results: A total of 150 patients were included in the study between December 2023 to May 2024. The majority of them were male 92(61%) and 58 (39%) were female. The majority of the study participants received broad-spectrum antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed were (53%) and the remaining (47%) were narrow spectrum. We highlighted the need for an antibiogram in the intensive care unit and also urged the policymakers to introduce antimicrobial stewardship programs and guidelines in healthcare institutes that will help with planning future initiatives among the tertiary care hospitals of India. Conclusion: There was a difference in the prescribing pattern of antibiotics on their spectrum of activity. Most broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed in the hospital to assess early health benefits. Treatment regimens for patients should be selected based on their safety profile and their tendency for antibiotic resistance.