CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE WITH THE 4TH-GENERATION CEPHALOSPORINS

The author reviews the comparative and non-comparative studies of cefe pime and cefpirome, from which it is evident that both cephalosporins are extremely effective both clinically and bacteriologically. Success rates of about 90% have been reported for both drugs as therapy for c omplicated urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infection s of the community as well as of nosocomial origin, including a large number of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, sk in and soft-tissue infections, surgical infections, as well as therapy for infections in neutropenic hosts. Cure rates are similar to or bet ter than those obtained with ceftazidime, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone. The author also points out the various precautions necessary in utiliz ing these two antimicrobial agents.