COVID-19 pandemics and antibiotics use in the University Clinical Centre of Kosova

Abstract

Background: One profoundly consequential facet of Kosovo healthcare pertains to antimicrobial drug consumption. The absence of specific guidelines for antimicrobial usage in the context of COVID-19 resulted in a notable upswing in antibiotic consumption across the country. This surge in antibiotic usage is particularly disconcerting within hospital settings, where the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections becomes significantly more pronounced. Objectives: To address this concern, this paper endeavors to undertake a comprehensive analysis of antibiotic consumption within hospital facilities over the years 2020, 2021, and 2022. This analysis will juxtapose antibiotic consumption during these years against the general population and preceding years. Results: The findings from the clinical center reveal a substantial upsurge in the consumption of most antibiotics during 2021, followed by a subsequent decline in 2022. However, a wealth of data underscores the notable utilization of ceftriaxone, exhibiting an annual increase of 32%, and imipenem, showing an annual increase of 47%. Similar upward trends were observed with other antibiotics in this research following the consumption in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Preserving patient safety and promoting rational antibiotic use necessitates heightened monitoring and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Moreover, antimicrobial stewardship measures must be enhanced and consistently maintained to ensure the prudent utilization of antibiotics throughout the pandemic.