Toward a chronoimmunomodulation by cefodizime in multiple myeloma and chronic uremia.

Nine healthy subjects, 19 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and 21 patients with chronic uremia were given cefodizime (2 g i.v.) at 2 different timepoints either in the morning or in the evening for 5 to 7 consecutive days. The following immunological parameters were comparatively evaluated before and after cefodizime administration: rosette-forming cells (RFC%), T lymphocyte subpopulations, monocyte chemotaxis index (MCI) and granulocyte chemotaxis index (GCI). Independently of the time of drug administration, a circadian rhythm was clearly detected (90% CI) as regards RFC%, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 before and RFC%, CD3, CD4, CD8, GCI after therapy. In addition, in patients treated at 0800 cefodizime increased the MESOR of the MCI and, to a lesser extent, of the GCI. The chronoimmunomodulatory effects of cefodizime in patients with MM and chronic uremia are discussed.