Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a disturbing problem in the health system. A relationship between the use of certain antimicrobials and a resistance increase has been proposed. Since this phenomenon is not usually attributed to specific uses of antimicrobials but preferably to its evolution over the years, the analysis of the antimicrobial consumption over time can justify the epidemiological situation of a given region in terms of resistance and possible increases and decreases for specific microorganisms. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the use of antimicrobials in Catalonia during 2008–2018 through the VINCat program (Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Catalonian Program). Methods: The number of hospitals participating in the VINCat increased from 46 in 2008 to 63 in 2018 (ie, 68.8% and 85.7% of all adult acute-care hospital beds in Catalonia, respectively). Hospitalization days recorded at the participating hospitals increased from 2,991,053 in 2008 to 3,714,938 in 2018. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC) defined daily dose (DDD) index was used for monitoring antimicrobial consumption. Simple linear regressions were performed, the linear relationship was checked by ANOVA tests, and the Pearson correlation (Pc) coefficients were obtained. Values of P ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: From 2008 to 2018, there was a statistically significant increase of global antibacterial consumption (65.50 vs 71.73 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .001) and antimycotic consumption (3.09 vs 3.45 DDD per 100 bed days, P = .012) due to an increase of consumption in the surgical units. At the same time, there was a decrease in the consumption of antimycotics in the medical units (4.35 vs 3.90 DDD per 100 bed days; P =.029). Cephalosporins and carbapenem consumption increased both globally (10.88 vs 13.86 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) and in medical and surgical units (3.26 vs 5.38 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001). This increase was mainly associated with ceftriaxone (3.45 vs 5.46 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) and meropenem (1.12 vs 3.08 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001). There was a global decrease in the consumption of penicillins (26.10 vs 24.24 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .012) and quinolones (11.63 vs 9.61 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .004). This trend was observed also in ICUs and medical units but not in surgical units, for which only quinolones showed a significant decrease. Decreases in the use of amoxicillin/clavulanate acid (17.80 vs 14.24 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) and ciprofloxacin (5.68 vs 4.01 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) were observed. Conclusions: The increase in the use of antimicrobials in Catalonia is concerning. This increase is attributable to the use of these drugs in surgical units. Antibiotic stewardship measures should be aimed primarily at these units. The increasing use of carbapenems should be analyzed.

Funding: None

Disclosures: Juan Pablo Horcajada reports consulting fees from MSD, Pfizer, and Menarini as well as speaker honoraria from MSD, Pfizer, and Zambon.