Aztreonam treatment of gram-negative septicemia

Seventy-five aztreonam treatment courses in 74 patients with gram-negative septicemia resulted in 56 clinical cures (75%), 12 partial clinical cures (16%), and 7 clinical failures (9%). Eradication of the original pathogen from the blood was obtained in all patients but two, who had relapses 1 and 4 days, respectively, after treatment. In nine patients (12%) a superinfection was reported. Significant adverse reactions were limited to one transient urticarial rash. Aztreonam may prove to be an effective alternative for the treatment of gram-negative septicemia, but superinfections should be carefully monitored.