Incidence and antibiotic prescription rates for common infections in patients with diabetes in primary care over the years 1995 to 2003.

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in incidence and in antibiotic prescription rates for infections of the lower respiratory tract (LRTI) and urinary tract (UTI) in patients with diabetes (DM) over the years 1995 to 2003.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study as part of the University Medical Center Utrecht General Practitioners Research Network. We included patients with DM aged > or = 45 years. We assessed incidence and antibiotic prescription rates for LRTI and UTI. Incidence rates were calculated as episodes per 1000 person-years. Antibiotic prescription rates were calculated per 100 episodes of LRTI and UTI.

RESULTS

The study population increased over the years 1995 to 2003. The male-to-female ratio and mean age of the study population remained constant over these years. The incidence rate for LRTI remained stable (13%; p=0.442), and for UTI the incidence rate increased by 40% (p=0.037). Antibiotic prescription rates increased in LRTI by 60% (p<0.001) and in cystitis by 15% (p=0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence rates for UTI and antibiotic prescription rates for LRTI in diabetes have increased over the years 1995 to 2003. In particular, attention should be paid to the increasing use of antibiotics in DM patients with LRTI.