A three-year population-based study of antibiotic treatments for children

To describe the use of systemic antibiotics in the paediatric population of the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) during the period 2000-2002. Data were extracted from the drug prescription database of Emilia-Romagna. Treatment rates were within the range 1016-1151 treatments per 1000 children-years, according to the observed year. Chephalosporins were the most prescribed antibiotic class. The paediatric population of Emilia-Romagna is heavily exposed to systemic antibiotics. Further studies are needed to find out determinants of antibiotic overuse.