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AURA

Antimicrobial stewardship and children

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is important in the care of children because administration of antimicrobials can have long term consequences for their health.

Why are children a focus for improved antimicrobial prescribing?

  • Children are prescribed antimicrobials at higher rates than other age groups.
  • Antimicrobials are often inappropriately prescribed for children.
  • Many childhood infections are caused by viruses, and some uncomplicated bacterial infections may not require treatment with antibiotics.
  • Studies have shown that almost 40% of antimicrobial prescriptions for children are not prescribed in accordance with clinical guidelines.
  • Early antibiotic exposure is associated with increased risk of chronic disease later in life, such as allergy, atopic dermatitis, coeliac disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Useful resources

Commission

thumbnail_-_ams_book
2023
Publication, report or update

Refer to Chapter 14 - Antimicrobial stewardship in the care of children

Refer to the section on prescribing rates for different age groups.

Refer to Chapter 3: Antimicrobial use and appropriateness

thumbnail_antimicrobial_shortages_clinician_fact_sheet.jpg
2023
Fact sheet or brochure
thumbnail_antimicrobial_shortages_consumer_fact_sheet.jpg
2023
Fact sheet or brochure

External resources

Multinational consensus antimicrobial stewardship recommendations for children managed in hospital settings

Kids Dose - a network of paediatric clinician researchers regarding therapeutics for the most common diseases of childhood

Find more in our resource library
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