RANDOMIZED COMPARISON TRIAL OF TEICOPLANIN-IV, TEICOPLANIN-IM, AND CEFAZOLIN THERAPY FOR SKIN AND SOFT-TISSUE INFECTIONS CAUSED BY GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA

Teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic chemically related to the vanco mycin-ristocetin group of antibiotics, has potent activity against aer obic and anaerobic gram-positive bacteria. In this study, we examined the efficacy and safety of teicoplanin for parenteral treatment of ski n and soft tissue infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Ninety- six hospitalized adults with moderate to severe skin and soft tissue i nfections were randomized to receive either teicoplanin intravenously (IV) once a day, teicoplanin intramuscularly (IM) once a day, or cefaz olin IV every 8 hours. We evaluated patients' clinical and microbiolog ic status and assessed clinical and laboratory adverse events. Of 76 c linically assessable patients, 26 of 26 (100%) given teicoplanin IV, 2 1 of 22 (95%) given teicoplanin IM, and 26 of 28 (93%) given cefazolin showed improvement or cure. Of 60 microbiologically assessable patien ts, 22 of 22 (100%) given teicoplanin IV, 16 of 18 (89%) given teicopl anin IM, and 18 of 20 (90%) given cefazolin were cured. Of 96 patients assessable for adverse events, 7 of 34: (21%) given teicoplanin IV, 4 of 31 (13%) given teicoplanin IM, and 1 of 31 (3%) given cefazolin ha d adverse events. In this study, once daily teicoplanin appeared to be safe and effective therapy for skin and soft tissue infections.