Safety and Efficacy of Cefpirome in Comparison with Ceftazidime in Chinese Patients with Sepsis due to Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Background: The safety and efficacy of cefpirome (CPM), a fourth-generation cephalosporin, has not yet been studied in an Asian population. Methods: Sixty-nine adult Chinese patients with sepsis due to bacterial infections were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive CPM (2 g i.v. every 12 h) or ceftazidime (2 g i.v. every 8 h). Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic, clinical and microbiological features. The causative pathogen was Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae in the majority of microbiologically documented cases. The rates of clinical response (94 vs. 94%) and bacteriological response (65 vs. 68%) were similar in both groups. Similar adverse events, including rashes, gastrointestinal upset and asymptomatic elevation of hepatic enzymes, occurred in a minority of patients in both groups. All events were self-limited after discontinuation of the drugs. Conclusion: CPM is as safe and effective as ceftazidime in the treatment of sepsis due to bacterial infections in Chinese patients.