Antibiotics overprescribed for children, study finds
Too many Michiganders, particularly children, continue to be over-treated with prescription antibiotic drugs, despite a 15-year federal campaign to educate consumers on how overuse lowers response to future infections, a new report said Monday.
The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation, an Ann Arbor nonprofit that analyzes Michigan health trends, found a 4.5% increase between 2007 and 2009 in antibiotic prescriptions for children with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan health insurance. Adult use dropped 9.3% during the same time.
The nonprofit, which is funded by the Blues and the University of Michigan, analyzed Blues data for the report. The Blues is Michigan's largest insurer, covering about half of all Michiganders with workplace or individual insurance.
The issue focuses on prescriptions for viral (versus bacterial) infections. Viral infections -- such as colds, sore throats and most flu, bronchitis and upper respiratory infections -- generally get better on their own without drugs.
The report found regional variances. Children out-state received slightly more prescription antibiotics than did kids in southeast Michigan.
The rates might be higher out-state because children often see general family doctors because of shortages of the specialty in rural areas. Federal campaigns have focused mostly on pediatricians, said Dr. Gary Freed, U-M chief of general pediatrics.
More research is needed to understand how physician and patient preferences influence the use of antibiotics in Michigan, the report concluded. It recommended that a federal campaign considered to be successful in raising awareness among pediatricians be expanded to internists and family doctors.
Antibiotic-resistant infections are a major public health problem that add $20 billion in excess costs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Contact Patricia Anstett: 313-222-5021 or panstett@freepress.com