A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the use of antibiotics in the Paediatrics Emergency Unit of the Children's Hospital in Trieste covering the last ten years has been carried out. The results show an evident and progressive trend towards optimal standards in the therapeutic approach, revealing a marked reduction in the prescription of antibiotics for diseases of definite or presumptive viral origin and the use of first choice antibiotics in almost all of the cases. The promotion of the appropriate use of antibiotic treatment introduced at the Children's Hospital between 1978 and 1979 is apparent. The need for these permanently self-evaluating surveys aimed to assure continuous updating and to maintain optimal therapeutic standards is considered.
