Laboratory and clinical studies on cefodizime in patients with various underlying diseases

Cefodizime (CDZM) was given to 44 patients with various respiratory infections (35 patients with pneumonia, one with lung absoess, one with acute bronchitis, 4 with chronic bronchitis, 3 with bronchiectasis), and clinical evaluation was performed. The efficacy rate was 88% (37/42) (excellent 12, good 25, fair 4, poor 1 and unassessable 2). There was no statistical difference in efficacy rate between patients with and without underlying disease, patients with malignant and benign underlying disease, or patients with pulmonary and other underlying disease. Moreover, there was no relationship between clinical efficacy and age or peripheral blood leukocyte count. CDZM displayed an excellent bacteriological effect (90% eradication rate) against 22 strains of causative organisms representing 6 species. There were no marked changes in the results of immunological studies such as T or B cell count, immunoglobulins, or neutrophil phagocytic and killing function. Although adverse reactions were found in 4 patients (9%), and abnormal laboratory findings were detected in 7 patients (16%), these findings were mild and transient. Consequently, CDZM was considered to be a very useful and safe antibacterial agent for the treatment of various compromised hosts.