Antibiotic Prescription Patterns in the Management of Open Fractures at Mulago Hospital in Kampala

Background: Open fractures are contaminated and may result in infection. The use of antibiotics has greatly reduced the risk of infection. We conducted a study in a large teaching hospital to evaluate the use of antibiotics in the management of open fractures. Methods: A prospective study of adult patients with open fractures was conducted. Details of antibiotic use were extracted from the patient charts while details of the injury were determined by interviewing patients. Data was analysed using SPSS v 11.5. Results: Majority of the patients were involved in road traffic accidents and were mainly pedestrians. Only about half of the patients had antibiotics started while in the accident and emergency department and only about half of the patients received tetanus toxoid prophylaxis. Conclusion and Recommendations: The antibiotic prescription patterns are at variance with recommendations in literature. There is need to adopt hospital guidelines in the use of antibiotics and also the use of checklists to ensure patients receive all necessary medications before leaving the accident and emergency setting.