PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF AMPICILLIN SULBACTAM AND CEFOXITIN FOR DIABETIC FOOT INFECTIONS/

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind investigatio n was to compare two different parenteral antibiotics (ampicillin/sulb actam and cefoxitin) in conjunction with appropriate surgical procedur es for treatment of patients with diabetic foot infections on a vascul ar surgery service. Thirty-six patients with diabetes mellitus who req uired hospitalization to treat foot infections were randomized into on e of two treatment groups. There were 18 patients with similar baselin e characteristics randomized to each treatment group. The Chi-square t est was used for clinical and bacteriological comparisons, the Wilcoxo n rank sum test was used for comparing duration of hospitalization and clinical signs and symptoms, and Fisher's Exact Test (two-tailed) was used to compare treatment outcomes of the two groups. Based on intent ion-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference in treatmen t outcome (cure + improved) between the ampicillin/sulbactam (15/17) a nd cefoxitin groups (16/17). Similarly, no significant differences in bacteriologic response were noted. Both ampicillin/sulbactam and cefox itin, when combined with appropriate surgical interventions, are safe and effective therapies for treating foot infections in patients with diabetes mellitus.