Regional Variations in Newborn Antibiotic Use Revealed in Swedish Study

A recent comprehensive study conducted by the University of Gothenburg has uncovered significant regional disparities in the administration of antibiotics to newborns across Sweden. The research focused on infants born at 34 weeks gestation or later, analyzing data from over one million births between 2012 and 2020, including 37 hospitals spanning from Gällivare in the north to Ystad in the south.

The primary indication for antibiotic treatment in newborns is suspected sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Despite Sweden's overall low antibiotic consumption compared to other countries, the study highlights historically high usage levels in newborns that persist irrespective of declining sepsis cases. Interestingly, the rate of sepsis has decreased over time, but antibiotic use did not follow this trend uniformly across regions.

The study presents the proportion of infants receiving antibiotics within their first week of life, a key metric in neonatal care. Results show western Sweden has the highest antibiotic prescription rate at 3.0%, whereas eastern Sweden reports 1.3%. Across all regions, the incidence of sepsis remains low, below 1 per 1,000 live births. At individual hospital levels, antibiotic use varies from 0.9% to as high as 4.3%.

Johan Gyllensvärd, a pediatrician and Ph.D. student involved in the study, emphasizes that local practices, policies, and traditions significantly influence antibiotic prescribing behaviors. The variation underscores the importance of standardizing care protocols to prevent overuse.

Sepsis must be treated immediately to prevent severe outcomes, but overuse of antibiotics raises concerns about disrupting sensitive bacterial flora in newborns and increasing antibiotic resistance. Gyllensvärd stresses the need for heightened awareness and better diagnostic differentiation between infected and uninfected infants.

The findings demonstrate that it is possible to maintain low rates of antibiotic use—around 1%—without compromising sepsis management or increasing mortality. Enhancing knowledge and adherence to guidelines can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, safeguarding the health of future generations.

For more details, the study is published in 'Archives of Disease in Childhood—Fetal and Neonatal Edition' (2025). Source: Medical Express.