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Evaluation of vancomycin use in a large university‐affiliated hospital in eastern France in 1999

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Abstract

Objective: In 1999, we conducted a retrospective drug utilization review to determine the volume and pattern of vancomycin use in a university‐affiliated hospital in eastern France. Methods: Total vancomycin use was determined and expressed as vancomycin courses per 100 admitted patients and defined daily doses (DDD) of vancomycin per 100 patient‐days. The indication for vancomycin use was classified as appropriate or inappropriate according to the guidelines issues by the HICPAC. Results: A total of 311 vancomycin courses were given, as 2098 DDD, giving crude incidences of 1.17 courses per 100 admitted patients and of 1.19 defined daily doses per 100 patient‐days. The frequency of appropriate courses was 66.7%. Of the 63 inappropriate courses of vancomycin, 39.7% and 28.6% were empiric therapy for nosocomial and community‐acquired infections, respectively, 20.6% and 6.3% were specific therapy for nosocomial and community‐acquired infections, respectively, and 4.7% were prophylactic. Conclusions: This study shows that vancomycin use in our hospital resulted in a lower selection pressure than has been reported for US university‐affiliated hospitals and that comprehensive programs to improve use of vancomycin are needed in our institution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service d'Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU Besançon, 25030, France

    N. Floret, M. Thouverez & D. Talon

  2. Pharmacie Centrale, CHU Besançon, 25030, France

    B. Thalamy

  3. Service des Maladies Infectieuses et tropicales, CHU Besançon, 25030, France

    J.M. Estavoyer

Authors
  1. N. Floret
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  2. M. Thouverez
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  3. D. Talon
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  4. B. Thalamy
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  5. J.M. Estavoyer
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Floret, N., Thouverez, M., Talon, D. et al. Evaluation of vancomycin use in a large university‐affiliated hospital in eastern France in 1999. Pharm World Sci 23, 93–97 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011269131048

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011269131048

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