Utilization of fluconazole in an intensive care unit at a university hospital in Brazil.

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Utilization of fluconazole in an intensive care unit at a university hospital in Brazil.

Int J Clin Pharm. 2013 Apr;35(2):176-80

Authors: Salci TP, Gimenes M, dos Santos CA, Svidzinski TI, Caparroz-Assef SM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fungi have been developing resistance and merit greater attention because these microorganisms are among the major causes of hospital infection.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to characterize the pattern of fluconazole use in an adult intensive care unit.
SETTING: The setting was an intensive care unit at a university hospital in Brazil.
METHOD: An observational retrospective study was performed between 2007 and 2010. The use of antifungal drugs was calculated as the defined daily dose per 1,000 patient-days. The pattern of fluconazole use was determined by analyzing patient charts.
RESULTS: Fluconazole accounted an average of 66.6 % of the antifungal agents prescribed. All of the patients exhibited important risk factors for the development of fungal infection. Treatment was empirical in 45.2 % of the cases and therapeutic in 54.8 % of the cases. The dose interval was inadequate in 51.1 % of the treatments. Fluconazole at doses ≥400 mg/day was related to a greater likelihood of survival. C. albicans was the most prevalent species (31.3 %). Urine was the biological material with the greatest number of positive mycological exams (71.9 %).
CONCLUSION: This study found a high utilization of fluconazole and, in most cases, its administration at intervals that were different from the recommended intervals.

PMID: 23187962 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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