Cefoxitin: clinical evaluation in thirty-eight patients

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Cefoxitin is a beta-lactamase-resistant cephamycin antibiotic.
• Evaluating new antibiotics is crucial for combating resistant bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of cefoxitin.
• To evaluate patient tolerance and toxicity of cefoxitin.
• To compare cefoxitin's activity against anaerobic gram-negative organisms with cephalothin.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 38 patients with diverse infections (soft tissue, pneumonia, UTI, peritonitis, miscellaneous).
• Clinical and bacteriological outcomes were assessed.
• Patient tolerance and toxicity were monitored.
• Serum cefoxitin levels were measured after different infusion doses.
• In vitro activity against isolated anaerobic gram-negative organisms was tested.

Main Results:

• 71% of 34 infections were clinically cured.
• 86% of recultured patients achieved bacteriological cure.
• Phlebitis occurred in 32% and eosinophilia in 16% of patients.
• Two patients experienced unexplained renal function deterioration.
• Cefoxitin demonstrated superior activity against anaerobic gram-negative organisms compared to cephalothin.

Conclusions:

• Cefoxitin exhibits notable clinical and bacteriological efficacy in treating various infections.
• The antibiotic is generally well-tolerated, but potential side effects include phlebitis and renal function changes.
• Cefoxitin shows promising activity against anaerobic gram-negative bacteria.