Evaluating the Inappropriate Prescribing and Utilization of Caspofungin, a Four-Year Analysis at a Teaching Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The appropriate use of antimicrobial agents improves clinical outcomes and reduces antimicrobial resistance. Nevertheless, data on inappropriate prescription and negative outcomes are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to assess the prescription appropriateness of Caspofungin at a tertiary teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia and the impact on mortality at 30 days. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received Caspofungin from May 2015 to December 2019 to obtain prescription information and culture and susceptibility tests. The appropriateness of the dosage (ApD), initiation time (ApI), agent selection (ApS), and duration of therapy (ApDUR) was evaluated based on recommendations of the infectious diseases society of America. 355 eligible patients who received 3458 Caspofungin doses were identified. Their median age was 54 years (range 18–96). Overall, 270 (76.1%) patients received empirical prescriptions, of which 74.4% had the appropriate dose, and 56.3% had received it for more than five days, despite no proven Candida infection. This was not influenced by past medical history (p = 0.394). Only 39% of patients who received definitive prescriptions met all four study criteria for appropriate prescription. Therefore, antimicrobial stewardship programs can improve the appropriate utilization of antifungal therapies.