Ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, or levofloxacin as treatment for chronic osteomyelitis

The efficacy and safety of three oral fluoroquinolones (lomefloxacin, levof loxacin, and ciprofloxacin) for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis were analyzed. Twenty-seven patients had documented infections with quinolone-s ensitive organisms and received either lomefloxacin, levofloxacin, or cipro floxacin. Levofloxacin was effective therapy for 9 of 15 (60%) patients. Lo mefloxacin was effective therapy for five of seven (71%) patients, and cipr ofloxacin was effective therapy for two of five patients (40%). Average fol low-up was 11.8 months for patients who completed the course of therapy, an d the average duration of therapy was 60.6 days. Grampositive bacteria were isolated from 18 patients, and 11 patients were cured. Oral fluoroquinolon es can be safe, effective therapy if they are given for a prolonged course as treatment for infections caused by susceptible grampositive as well as g ram-negative organisms and in combination with adequate surgical debridemen t.