[Use of vancomycin in treating staphylococcal septicemia in newborns]

The authors report the results of vancomycin treatment of staphylococcal septicemia in 26 newborns, including 17 prematures and 9 full-term. It was found, that all coagulase-negative strains and 91% of Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to this antibiotic. Complete cure in 65% and clinical improvement in 10% were obtained. Death (12%) in very low birth weight prematures were due to secondary complications of septicemia, congenital malformations and intracerebral haemorrhages. Administration of vancomycin in generally accepted doses caused no side effects and is worth in newborns, in which other antibiotics has been given unsuccessfully.