Measurement of C-reactive protein to compare ceftizoxime versus cefoxitin/doxycycline therapy for septic pelvis: a preliminary report.

C-reactive protein (CRP), a biological marker of inflammation, may be a useful indicator of therapeutic response in patients with septic pelvis. In a study comparing ceftizoxime and cefoxitin/doxycycline in patients with septic pelvis, quantitative CRP levels were closely correlated with the responses and failures of therapy. The results of this study showed the two antibiotic regimens to be equally effective, with 23 of 25 patients in each treatment group achieving a satisfactory response. The fact that ceftizoxime was effective in four of five patients with Chlamydia trachomatis in cervical isolates suggests that intravenous therapy for the acute infection can be accomplished without the addition of an antichlamydial agent. Upon discharge from the hospital, patients can continue therapy with an oral drug that is specifically active against Chlamydia.