Uso de antibióticos en entornos hospitalarios en población geriátrica: desafíos de la resistencia antimicrobiana

• Autores: Cristobal García Bragado, Laura Chinchilla Moliner.
• Localización: Revista Sanitaria de Investigación, ISSN-e 2660-7085, Vol. 6, Nº. 2, 2025
• Idioma: español
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen
  • español

    La administración de antibióticos en entornos intrahospitalarios es crucial para tratar infecciones bacterianas en la población anciana, que presenta una mayor susceptibilidad debido a múltiples comorbilidades y una respuesta inmunológica debilitada. Sin embargo, el uso indiscriminado e inadecuado de estos fármacos ha propiciado el desarrollo de resistencia antibiótica y la proliferación de bacterias multirresistentes, representando un desafío de salud pública.

    En las últimas décadas, ha aumentado la incidencia de infecciones nosocomiales causadas por patógenos resistentes a múltiples clases de antibióticos, lo que incrementa la morbilidad, mortalidad y costos sanitarios. Las características únicas de los ancianos, como la polifarmacia y las alteraciones fisiológicas, complican la administración adecuada de antibióticos, aumentando el riesgo de efectos adversos e interacciones medicamentosas. La resistencia antibiótica en esta población limita las opciones terapéuticas.

    Para enfrentar este problema, es esencial implementar programas de stewardship antibiótico, mejorar las medidas de control de infecciones y fomentar la educación continua del personal sanitario. Además, las innovaciones tecnológicas en diagnóstico rápido y terapias alternativas ofrecen perspectivas prometedoras para combatir la resistencia antibiótica en el futuro. Una administración racional de antibióticos, combinada con estrategias integrales de prevención y control, es fundamental para reducir la resistencia y mejorar los resultados clínicos en la población anciana.

  • English

    The administration of antibiotics in hospital settings is crucial for treating bacterial infections in the elderly population, which is more susceptible due to multiple comorbidities and a weakened immune response. However, the indiscriminate and inappropriate use of these drugs has led to the development of antibiotic resistance and the proliferation of multidrug-resistant bacteria, posing a public health challenge.

    In recent decades, the incidence of nosocomial infections caused by pathogens resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics has increased, resulting in higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The unique characteristics of older adults, such as polypharmacy and physiological alterations, complicate the appropriate administration of antibiotics, thereby increasing the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions. Antibiotic resistance limits therapeutic options.

    To address this issue, it is essential to implement antibiotic stewardship programs, enhance infection control measures, and encourage continuous education for healthcare personnel. Furthermore, technological innovations in rapid diagnostics and alternative therapies offer promising prospects for combating antibiotic resistance in the future. A rational administration of antibiotics, combined with comprehensive prevention and control strategies, is vital for reducing resistance and improving clinical outcomes in the elderly population.

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