Cefoperazone sodium in the treatment of serious bacterial infections in 2,100 adults and children: multicentered trials in Europe, Latin America, and Australasia.

Data from noncomparative multicenter trials of cefoperazone sodium in 17 countries throughout Australasia, Europe, and Latin America were analyzed. The study populations included 1,659 adults and 438 children with a wide variety of serious urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and miscellaneous infections. Most adult patients received either 1 g (42%) or 2 g (53%) of cefoperazone iv twice daily for 8-10 days. Satisfactory clinical responses were achieved in 91% of 586 assessable patients with respiratory tract infections, 94% of 571 with urinary tract infections, and 93% of 301 with miscellaneous infections. Organisms resistant to most cephalosporins, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, other Pseudomonas species, Enterobacter, indole-positive Proteus, Serratia, Bacteroides fragilis, and Streptococcus faecalis (nonendocarditis infections) responded to cefoperazone treatment. Ten percent of patients reported one or more adverse effects directly attributable to cefoperazone, most of which were mild or moderate in severity. In a global evaluation that took into account baseline disease severity, clinical and bacteriological outcome, and toleration, investigators judged cefoperazone as excellent or good in 83% of patients, fair in 10%, and poor in 7%. The usual dosage for pediatric patients was 25-50 mg/kg two or three times daily for about seven days. Overall clinical effectiveness in 417 assessable patients was 89% for a wide variety of infections. Ten of 11 cases of meningitis were cured. Mild adverse reactions were reported for 14 patients. The results indicate that cefoperazone sodium is a safe and effective antibiotic for use in adults and children with serious bacterial infections.