A comparative study of cefepime for chronic respiratory tract infections

Abstract

The clinical efficacy, safety and usefulness of Cefepime (CFPM), a new cephem antibiotics, in chronic respiratory infections were evaluated in a comparative study against Ceftazidime (CAZ). Each drug was administered by intravenous drip infusion at a dose of 1.0 g (nominal potency), twice daily for 14 days, and the following results were obtained: 1. A total of 170 cases were enrolled in this study. Efficacy rates ("good" or better responses) as evaluated by the subcommittee were 86.2% (56/65) in the CFPM group and 84.5% (60/71) in the CAZ group, with no significant difference between the two groups. 2. Efficacy rates ("good" or better responses) as evaluated by attending physicians were 83.3% (55/66) in the CFPM group and 84.5% (60/71) in the CAZ group with no significant difference between the two groups. 3. Bacteriologically, eradication rates were 83.3% (40/48) in the CFPM group and 88.2% (45/51) in the CAZ group, with no significant difference between the two groups. 4. Side effects occurred in none of the patients in the CAZ group and in 4 of the 66 patients in the CFPM group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (Fisher's test p = 0.0489). The incidence of abnormal laboratory findings were 17.6% (12/68) in the CFPM group and 21.1% (16/76) in the CAZ group. There was no significant difference between the two groups. 5. The utility rates evaluated by the subcommittee were 81.8% (54/66) in the CFPM group and 84.5% (60/71) in the CAZ group with no significant difference between the two groups. Only in the incidence of side effects, there was a significant difference between the two groups (Fisher's test p = 0.0489), but there was no significant difference in other items of efficacy, safety and usefulness between the two groups. These results indicate that CFPM is useful for the treatment of chronic respiratory tract infections.