Too many babies are being given antibiotics early in life

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-11-24 03:00

Australia; International; WA

Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

Antibiotics can be lifesaving for babies who develop early-onset sepsis, but many more babies are receiving antibiotics than those who need them, according to research across Australia, Europe and North America. The team used data from about 750,000 babies on whether they received intravenous antibiotics in their first week after birth, and whether they had a proven case of early-onset sepsis. The researchers say that for every case of sepsis, 58 babies received antibiotics, suggesting the treatment is being used disproportionately. The researchers say antibiotics are associated with potential long-term risks, as well as contributing to antimicrobial resistance.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Funder: Dr Giannoni is supported by the Leenaards Foundation. The study was funded through the crowdfunding platform wemakeit.

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