Cefminox versus metronidazole plus gentamicin in intra-abdominal infections: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the safety and efficacy of a new cephamycin, cefminox 2 g/12 h, to those of the usual reg imen combining metronidazole 500 mg/8 h and gentamicin 80 mg/8 h (M+G). Patients and Methods: 160 patients with clinically proven intra-abdominal i nfection were prospectively included in an open parallel randomized compara tive multicenter trial. Antibiotics were started preoperatively and discont inued after clinical and laboratory evidence of resolution of the infection . Serum and peritoneal fluid levels and serum bactericidal activities were also studied. Results: 150 patients were clinically evaluable. There was one failure in t he cefminox group and three in the M+G group (not significant, RR:1.07, 95% CI:1-1.15). NO differences were found in the number of wound infections, l ength of stay or duration of antibiotic therapy. Adverse effects were repor ted in 11 cases, all of them mild to moderate. Escherichia coli and Bactero ides fragilis were the most frequently found microorganisms. Conclusion: Cefminox is as effective and as safe as M+G in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections.