[Urinary enzyme excretion in cephalothin therapy in pregnancy]

A damage of the kidney, particularly of the proximal tubular cells, can be indicated by an increased concentration of distinct enzymes in urine. During cephalothin treatment of pyelonephritis in pregnant women the daily excretion of 4 brush-border enzymes was measured, to detect a tubulotoxic effect of this drug. The present results do not demonstrate a marked alteration of tubular cells. The use of cephalothin during pregnancy is possible, but the risk of nephrotoxic side effects should be considered.