Bacterial peritonitis. Protecting the high-risk patient.

Cefamandole in combination with tobramycin was evaluated in the treatment of peritonitis as an adjunct to laparotomy and performance of the indicated surgical procedure in 88 patients. The clinical response was judged satisfactory in 91 per cent. Of four deaths, only one could be attributed to infection. Side effects noted were decreased creatinine clearance in 16 patients, increased liver enzymes in ten patients, and eosinophilia in nine patients. Microbiologic studies revealed aerobic peritonitis in 44 cultures and anaerobic in 32. Eighty-five per cent of the gram-negative and 69 per cent of the gram-positive strains were susceptible to cefamandole. Cefamandole alone or in combination with tobramycin appears to be an effective and safe antibiotic when used in appropriate doses for the treatment of bacterial peritonitis.