Safety and efficacy of cefpirome in comparison with ceftazidime in Chinesepatients with sepsis due to bacterial infections

Background: The safety and efficacy of cefpirome (CPM), a fourth-generation cephalosporin, has not yet been studied in an Asian population. Methods: S ixty-nine adult Chinese patients with sepsis due to bacterial infections we re enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive CPM (2 g i.v. eve ry 12 h) or ceftazidime (2 g i.v. every 8 h). Results: Both groups were com parable in terms of demographic, clinical and microbiological features. The causative pathogen was Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae in the ma jority of microbiologically documented cases. The rates of clinical respons e (94 vs. 94%) and bacteriological response (65 vs. 68%) were similar in bo th groups. Similar adverse events, including rashes, gastrointestinal upset and asymptomatic elevation of hepatic enzymes, occurred in a minority of p atients in both groups. All events were self-limited after discontinuation of the drugs. Conclusion: CPM is as safe and effective as ceftazidime in th e treatment of sepsis due to bacterial infections in Chinese patients. Copy right (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.