Table 2.
Characteristics of prescriptions for neonates in the NICUs
| Characteristics of prescriptions | Preterm Neonates | Term Neonates | Total Neonates | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 32 weeks GA | 32-36 weeks GA | ≥37 weeks GA | – | ||
| Prescriptions,No. Mean (±SD) | 8 (±4.8) | 4.8 (±3.8) | 4.5(±3.3) | 5.4 (±4.1) | 0.003* |
| Drugs,NoMean (±SD) | 6.6 (±3.4) | 4 (±2.7) | 3.6 (±2.3) | 4.5 (±3) | < 0.001* |
| Off-label prescriptions, No. (%) | 96 (25.7) | 115 (42) | 188 (46.9) | 399 (38.1) | * < 0.001 |
| Unlicensed prescriptions, No. (%) | 1 (0.3) | 7 (2.6) | 12 (3) | 20 (1.9) | *0.043 |
| Neonates with off-label prescription, No. (%) | 41 (87.2) | 48 (84.5) | 75 (84.3) | 164 (85) | 0.8 |
| Neonates with unlicensed prescription, No. (%) | 1 (2.1) | 7 (12.3) | 9 (10.1) | 17 (8.8) | 0.554 |
| Neonates with off-label or unlicensed prescription, No. (%) | 41 (87.2) | 48 (84.5) | 75 (84.3) | 164 (85) | 0.8 |
SD Standard deviation; *, p-value < 0.05