Reduction of antibacterial use in patients with very low birth weight on German NICUs after implementation of a mandatory surveillance system. A longitudinal study with national data from 2013 to 2019

•Introduction of a mandatory national surveillance system is associated with decrease in antibacterial use on NICU.•The use of penicillins with extended spectrum, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides and third-generation cephalosporins decreased over time.•Use of macrolides and penicillins combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors increased over time. To determine the influence of a national surveillance system for neonates (NEO-KISS) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) on consumption of antibacterial and to identify risk factors for prescriptions. Data on antibacterial use between 2013 and 2019 from 231 NICUs in Germany was analyzed in this longitudinal study after introduction of a mandatory module for surveillance of antibacterial consumption in preterm infants. 59,411 newborns with a birth weight under 1500 gs were under surveillance in NEO-KISS during the study period. We report the development of antibacterial consumption during the days of treatment (DOT)/1000 patient days (PD) including the name of the substance administered. Risk factors for antibacterial treatment over time were analyzed. A total, 2,090,341 surveillance patient days were monitored. Antibacterial consumption was 430.4 DOT/1000PD (Median 380.3; IQR: 284.2–502.7). Antibacterial use significantly decreased by 19.5% from 2013, 474.3 DOT/1000PD to 382.1 DOT/1000PD in 2019. Use of penicillins with extended spectrum (J01CA), other aminoglycosides (J01GB), glycopeptide antibacterials (J01XA and J01DH), and third-generation cephalosporins (J01DD) decreased, while use of macrolides (J01FA) and combinations of penicillins, including beta-lactamase inhibitors (J01CR), increased over time. Regression analysis identified year of birth as an independent protective factor for the prescription of antibacterials in general. The implementation of a national mandatory surveillance system was associated with a reduction in antibacterial consumption in preterm infants with VLBW. Surveillance of antibacterial use is an integral part of targeting antimicrobial stewardship efforts.