[Ceftazidime in common infections in childhood. Experience in 262 cases]

We analyzed the clinical data collected from an open multicentre study (in 40 Hospital and University centres) with aim to evaluate clinical and bacteriological efficacy and safety of Ceftazidime (CTZ) in common infections of pediatric patients. The data were from 262 patients (137 M, 125 F) mean age 5.13 +/- 3.65 yrs (range 3 m. to 12 yrs). 158 pts with low respiratory tract infection, 32 pts. with upper respiratory tract infection and 72 pts. with urinary tract infection, were treated with CTZ (dose 50 mg/kg/die; i.v. or i.m.) for a mean of 9.4 days. The overall success rate was 96.2% (76.7% cured + 19.5% improved). In the evaluable cases (108) the bacteriological eradication rate was 92.18%. The safety of CTZ was good; adverse events (2 rash and 1 diarrhoea) were observed only in 3 patients. All events had moderate intensity and did not require drug withdrawal.