The Effect of Carbapenem Restriction Policy on the Rate of Hospital Infections Due To Resistant Microorganisms in the Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: In this study, the effect of carbapenem restriction on the infection rate and antibiotic susceptibility was investigated. Method: The study period was divided into two periods called as: carbapenem free period (CFP) and carbapenem-restricted period (CRP). The usage rate of antipseudomonal carbapenem, the incidence of nosocomial infection, invasive device days, the causative microorganisms and antibiotic susceptibility were compared. Results: In the CFP, the nosocomial infection density was 40.95 +- 19.02 in 1000 patient days, and 20.71 +- 4.28 in 1000 patient days in the CRP. No significant difference was observed between the two periods in terms of invasive devices use rates. Anti pseudomonal carbapenem usage rate was 2.73 in CFP and 1.67 in CRP. Of the 40 nosocomial infections due to Acinetobacter baumannii, 27 of them were found in the CFP. Conclusion: Carbapenem restriction policy may contribute to decrease the rate of resistant bacterial infections.