Resumen:
This study analyzed the use pattern of imipenem following the restructuring of the antimicrobial audit system at
a University Hospital. It was an observational study before and after the restructuring of the antimicrobial audit
system in a University Hospital from May to August and then from September to December 2006. The criteria of the
rational use of imipenem were obtained from a non-systematic revision of the literature. The collection of data on
the general characteristics and clinical state of the patient, the infection and the established therapy was carried out
in a previously tested instrument. Data was recorded, revised and analyzed in a database built with the software
SPSS® for Windows® PC, version 10.0. The statistical analysis had a descriptive character: frequencies, mean,
median and standard deviation. No differences were encountered in relation to the appropriate indication, consumption
and clinical outcomes of patients. However, there was a reduction of 4 to 1 (75.0%) in the number of associations with
spectrum superposition and an increase of 4 to 8 (50.0%) in the change of therapy. The restructuring of the
antimicrobial audit system in the studied hospital did not reflect significantly the increase of the appropriate
indication of imipenem. It contributed, however, to the reduction of the inappropriate associations of this antibiotic
and to changes of therapy, without, however, compromising the quality of services rendered to patients.
Key-Words: Imipenem, drug use review, drug use evaluation, audit system, antimicrobial policy
