Prevalence and Patterns of Antibiotic Administration in Neonates With Critical Congenital Heart Defects.

BACKGROUND

Although data exists demonstrating widespread antibiotic use across other critically ill neonatal populations, there are limited data regarding the frequency of empiric antibiotic use among neonates with critical congenital heart defects (CCHD). The purpose of this study is to describe prevalence of antibiotic treatment in the first 28 days of life in a cohort of neonates with CCHDs.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of retrospective electronic health record data of neonates admitted to a Pennsylvania pediatric hospital for cardiac surgery (2016-2020). Descriptive statistics were generated to show antibiotic treatment days and indications for use. Pearson Chi-Square and multivariable regression models were used to analyze predictors.

RESULTS

Seventy-four neonates were included. Fifty neonates (68%) received antibiotics for reasons other than postoperative prophylaxis. Two (3%) had confirmed bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic administration was prevalent in this cohort. Future work should elucidate population prevalence of empirical antibiotic use, identify potential consequences, and design interventions to prevent overuse.