| DOI: 10.29090/psa.2026.04.25.9130 | Pharm Sci Asia 2026; 53(4), 496-508 |
Clinical prescription patterns during initial hospitalization in pediatric acute gastroenteritis in Vietnam: A cross-sectional studyTran Diem-Linh Nguyen, Qui-Dong Le*
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Management, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, The University of Danang, Da Nang city, Vietnam
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children worldwide, yet real-world medication prescribing practices during the first day of hospitalization are poorly characterized. This study aimed to analyze prescription patterns and associated factors during initial hospitalization for AGE among pediatric inpatients at Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, Vietnam. Our cross-sectional study was conducted using the medical records of children aged 1 month to 5 years, hospitalized with a diagnosis of AGE, who received at least one medication. Missing data analysis was based on the missing at random (MAR) assumption and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between factors and prescription outcome. The most frequently prescribed medication was the probiotic Bacillus clausii (99.6% of patients). Reduced-osmolarity oral rehydration solutions (reduced-osmolarity ORS) and lactated Ringer’s intravenous solutions were prescribed for 85.1% and 3.9% of the children, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between frequency of vomiting and the prescription of reduced-osmolarity ORS, lactated Ringer’s solution, zinc, and ondansetron. Significant associations were also observed between watery stools and racecadotril prescription, as well as between hematochezia and antibiotic use. Our research examined the factors influencing treatment decisions for pediatric AGE during initial hospitalization, highlighting the need to improve the assessment and documentation of clinical information, and strengthen clinical pharmacist involvement in supporting evidence-based drug utilization strategies.
Keyword:
Drug utilization research; Early phase of inpatient management; Pediatric acute gastroenteritis; Antimicrobial therapy; High prevalence of probiotic prescribing; Enhanced clinical pharmacist engagement
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