cefamandole and Joint-Diseases

The safety and efficacy of treatment with cefamandole were evaluated in 77 patients (from 33 institutions) with serious bone and joint infections. The antibiotic was given intramuscularly or intravenously in doses ranging from 1.5 to 12 g/day for 6 to 58 days. Seventy-three of the 77 patients responded satisfactorily, and 63 (of 70 from whom material for culture was obtainable) patients had a bacteriologic cure. Forty-one of 81 isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus. Other pathogens included Streptococcus epidermidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterobacter sp., Escherichia coli, aerobic and anaerobic cocci, as well as Bacteroides fragilis. The drug was well tolerated. Pharmacological studies indicated that cefamandole penetrated the bones and joints. Cefamandole would seem to be a safe and efficacious drug, for the treatment of serious bone and joint infections due to a wide variety of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.

Topics: Acute Disease; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Bone Diseases; Bursitis; Cefamandole; Cephalosporins; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Joint Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Osteomyelitis

In review of our data, 12 of 38 patients (31.5 percent) had adverse drug reactions, a somewhat bothersome factor. Disturbing side effects of leukopenia and pancytopenia were seen in two patients, respectively, who were receiving cefamandole 12 g/d. Other cephalosporins, including cephalothin and cefazolin, have been reported to cause leukopenia. Eosinophilia and elevations of alkaline phosphatase and SGOT levels were noted with other cephalosporins. We observed no adverse clinical reactions associated with these findings. Although our study was able to demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness of cefamandole in the treatment of soft tissue and skeletal infections, it should be reemphasized that cefamandole should be used only as an alternative treatment for the penicillin-allergic patient. In reality, a first-generation cephalosporin should be used for gram-positive organisms if one is required in soft tissue infections.

Topics: Abscess; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Infectious; Bacterial Infections; Bone Diseases; Cefamandole; Cellulitis; Cephalosporins; Female; Half-Life; Humans; Joint Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Osteomyelitis

Topics: Bacterial Infections; Biological Availability; Bone Diseases; Cefamandole; Cephalosporins; Humans; Joint Diseases