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Cefoperazone therapy of bacterial meningitis: a clinical trial
P Cristiano1, R Pempinello, M R Iovene
1Istituto di Medicina Generale e Sistematica, I Fac. Medicina, Nuovo Policlinico, Napoli, Italy.
Abstract:
Sixteen hospitalized patients, aged between 10 and 76 years (mean: 34.3 years), with bacterial meningitis were treated i.v. with cefoperazone at daily doses of 4.5 g to 9 g. In two cases ampicillin was given in combination with cefoperazone during the last four days and the first five days of treatment, respectively. The following organisms were isolated: Neisseria meningitidis (n = 9), Haemophilus influenzae (n = 3), Escherichia coli (n = 2), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 2). Fourteen patients completely recovered from infection and the pathogens were eradicated; the treatment failed in only two patients and both were cured with alternative treatment. Furthermore, in 11 patients cefoperazone serum and CSF levels were determined four times during the first week of treatment (1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days). No important side effects were recorded.
Insights
Cefoperazone effectively treated bacterial meningitis in hospitalized patients, achieving high recovery rates with minimal side effects. This antibiotic shows promise for serious infections like Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Effective antibiotic therapy is crucial for managing bacterial meningitis.
- Cefoperazone is a third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous cefoperazone in treating hospitalized patients with bacterial meningitis.
- To assess the pharmacokinetic profile of cefoperazone in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 16 hospitalized patients with bacterial meningitis received intravenous cefoperazone (4.5-9 g/day).
- Cultures identified causative pathogens including Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Serum and CSF cefoperazone levels were monitored in 11 patients during the first week of treatment.
Main Results:
- Fourteen out of 16 patients (87.5%) achieved complete recovery with pathogen eradication.
- Treatment failure occurred in two patients, who were successfully treated with alternative therapies.
- No significant adverse effects were reported during cefoperazone treatment.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous cefoperazone demonstrates high efficacy and a favorable safety profile for treating bacterial meningitis.
- Cefoperazone is a viable therapeutic option for meningitis caused by susceptible Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Further research into cefoperazone's role in meningitis treatment is warranted.