Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship program on mortality and consumption of antibiotics in the intensive care units of a pediatric referral hospital in Peru.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) on antibiotic consumption and mortality rates in the intensive care units (ICUs) of a national pediatric referral hospital in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods: The study population included patients under 18 years of age admitted to five ICUs during two distinct periods: prior to the implementation of the ASP (2016-2017) and following its implementation (2017-2018). Days of therapy (DOT) per 1,000 patient days were calculated to evaluate antibiotic consumption, and the results were compared between the two periods. Mortality rates and length of stay (LOS) were also assessed and compared. Differences in antibiotic consumption, mortality, and LOS were analyzed using χ2 and t tests. Results: Following ASP implementation, average antibiotic consumption decreased significantly from 750 DOT to 660 DOT ( Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the implementation of an ASP in pediatric ICUs is associated with a reduction in antibiotic consumption. These results underscore the critical importance of ASPs in promoting appropriate and rational use of antibiotics. Further research should explore the complex relationship between inappropriate antibiotic use and mortality in pediatric ICUs to clarify how ASP implementation may contribute to reducing mortality in this vulnerable population.