Antibiotics prescription in infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia

Introduction. Although not useful, antibiotics are commonly prescribed in infants with viral pneumonia. Objective. To compare initial prescription and suspension rates of antibiotics in infants hospitalized with pneumonia by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 2002, when introducing the viral testing, and in 2007, after 5 years of this practice. Population and methods. Children aged under 13 months hospitalized for RSV pneumonia during two years (2002 and 2007) were included. Prescription and discontinuation of antibiotics were registered. Data were analyzed using Chi squared and T tests, assuming p <0.05 as significance level. Results. Antibiotics were prescribed in 57% (40/70) of patients in 2002 and 46% of then (29/63) in 2007. After achieving RSV diagnosis, antibiotics were more frequently discontinued in 2007 than in 2002 (31/63 vs. 14/70; p= 0.012; OR: 3.73; IC 95%: 1.15-12.49). Conclusion. Although antibiotic empirical prescription rate was similar in both periods, after achieving RSV diagnosis antibiotics were more frequently discontinued in 2007.