Hospital- and patient-related factors associated with differences in hospital antibiotic use: analysis of national surveillance results.

Background: Surveillance data of antibiotic use are increasingly being used for benchmarking purposes, but there is a lack of studies dealing with how hospital- and patient-related factors affect antibiotic utilization in hospitals. Our objective was to identify factors that may contribute to differences in antibiotic use.

Methods: Based on pharmacy sales data (2006-2011), use of all antibiotics, all penicillins, and broad-spectrum antibiotics was analysed in 22 Health Enterprises (HEs).

WHO defined daily doses versus hospital-adjusted defined daily doses: impact on results of antibiotic use surveillance.

Objectives: To investigate effects on surveillance results of hospital antibiotic use when WHO defined daily doses (WHO DDDs) are adjusted to doses recommended for hospitalized patients [hospital-adjusted defined daily doses (haDDDs)].

Methods: Data for antibiotic use in 2006-11 for all 22 Norwegian Health Enterprises were analysed with both WHO DDDs and haDDDs as numerators. The haDDDs were determined from recommendations given in regional and national guidelines on antibiotic use in hospitals.

New anticoagulants as thromboprophylaxis after total hip or knee replacement.

Objectives: Due to a high risk of thromboembolism in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery, it has become standard practice to give thromboprophylactic treatment. We assessed the relative efficacy and cost-effectiveness of two new oral anticoagulants, rivaroxaban and dabigatran, relative to subcutaneous enoxaparin for the prevention of thromboembolism after total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement surgery (TKR).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess efficacy and safety, and evaluated quality of documentation using GRADE.