Antimicrobial stewardship in NICUs of low- and lower-middle-income countries – A narrative review

Aditya Bhatt

doi:10.1177/00494755261455632

May 30, 2026Tropical Doctor

Antimicrobial stewardship in NICUs of low- and lower-middle-income countries – A narrative review

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Key Points

The review aims to explore strategies for reducing empiric antibiotic use in neonatal intensive care units in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
Examined 19 reports focusing on antibiotic use in NICUs
Assessed impacts on mortality, sepsis recurrence, and readmission rates
Highlighted antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in LMICs
Reduced antibiotic use did not lead to increased mortality rates
No significant rise in sepsis recurrence or necrotizing enterocolitis observed
Readmissions remained unchanged despite reduced antibiotic usage

Implication

Narrative review examines efforts reducing antibiotic use in NICUs, indicating no negative outcomes in neonates.

Abstract

High neonatal sepsis burden and limited diagnostics in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) drive empiric antibiotic use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), increasing antimicrobial resistance. This review examines 19 reports on efforts to kerb this trend. Importantly, reduced use was not associated with increased mortality, sepsis recurrence, necrotising enterocolitis or re-admissions.

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Cite This Study

Aditya Bhatt (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1d22db02fbce9130638844 https://doi.org/10.1177/00494755261455632

View Full Paper

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Antimicrobial stewardship in NICUs of low- and lower-middle-income countries – A narrative review

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Antimicrobial stewardship in NICUs of low- and lower-middle-income countries – A narrative review

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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