Uso de antimicrobianos en el Hospital Regional de Pedro Juan Caballero “Dr. Aníbal Leoncio Medina Valiente”

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to global public health and patient safety. Optimizing antimicrobial use is a strategic objective of the World Health Organization (WHO), requiring precise hospital-level data in peripheral areas and robust national health governance. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and prescription patterns of antimicrobials at the Regional Hospital of Pedro Juan Caballero in 2019, within the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Health. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) was conducted under the framework of a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regional initiative. All patients admitted between August 5 and 8, 2019, were included. Data were managed using the REDCap platform and methodologically optimized with Artificial Intelligence technical assistance tools. Results: Ninety-eight patients were evaluated. The global prevalence of antimicrobial use was 78%, being more frequent in female patients (53%) and in the Obstetrics/Maternity service (26%). Prophylaxis accounted for 10% of indications, while 88% were empirical therapies. The adequacy of prescriptions according to institutional and national guidelines was 61%. Conclusion: A critically high prevalence of antimicrobial use and a strong dependence on empirical therapy were demonstrated. It is urgent to operationalize current national policies and integrate advanced molecular technologies into the microbiological laboratory.