CEFOTAXIME AND METRONIDAZOLE IN SEVERE INTRAABDOMINAL INFECTION

To assess the efficacy of cefotaxime in the treatment of severe intra- abdominal infections, we reviewed the bacteriology of secondary perito nitis and evaluated the efficacy of cefotaxime and metronidazole in 79 patients undergoing staged abdominal repair. We were able to demonstr ate that the combination of an aggressive surgical policy with an effe ctive antimicrobial regimen eliminates pathogens from the previously i nfected peritoneal cavity. Additional improvement in results awaits fu rther advances in supportive care and/or methods to reverse the cascad es of the excessive inflammatory or cytokine responses.