Abstract
Ceftazidime (Fortaz, Glaxo, Inc.) and cefamandole were compared in a randomized, prospective study of patients with infections of skin and soft tissue and/or septicemia. Infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were evaluated. Ceftazidime 1 gram IV every 8 hours was used in 20 patients and cefamandole 1 gram IV every 6 hours was used in 15 patients. If bacteria were not sensitive to the agent provided and if laboratory data confirmed resistance to cefamandole and susceptibility to ceftazidime, treatment was changed to ceftazidime. Bacteriological eradication of the initial pathogens and clinical improvement or cure occurred in all patients treated in each treatment group. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two groups. Four patients originally placed on cefamandole were changed to ceftazidime therapy due to in vitro bacterial resistance. Each of these patients responded favorably with bacteriological eradication and clinical cure. Site of infection, age, sex and concurrent disorder were not determinants of clinical response. One patient experienced phlebitis during ceftazidime therapy; however, the infection continued to respond to IM administration of ceftazidime. Ceftazidime is safe and clinically effective in the treatment of patients with skin and soft tissue infections. It has advantages over cefamandole in the treatment of infections caused by resistant Proteus sp., E. coli, and Pseudomonas sp. Addition of a pure anti-staphylococcal agent to ceftazidime was unnecessary.
Published Version
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