Ceftazidime in pediatric infections unsuccessfully treated with other antibiotics: an evaluation of its efficacy and tolerability in compromised host.

Ceftazidime (C) is a cephalosporine active against Gram-positive and especially negative bacteria. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy and tolerance of C in the treatment of children suffering from infections previously treated unsuccessfully with different antibiotics. We examined 20 children, administering a dosage of C 30 to 100 mg/kg intravenously or intramuscularly for a mean treatment duration of 8.6 days. A favorable response was observed in all the children: of the 20 patients 13 were cured and 7 improved. A transient elevation of liver enzymes was noted in three children. The study confirms the efficacy of C in the treatment of severe infections. Since 9 of the 20 patients were neonates, we suggest the possible role of C in the newborns' infections.