[Potential nephrotoxicity of 2nd generation cephalosporins: cefuroxime versus cefotiam].

Forty-one hospitalized patients were randomized to be treated with cefuroxime (4.05 g/die) or cefotiam (5.30 g/die). Several patients received additionally furosemide (0.5 mg/kg body weight) intravenously. Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance did not show significant differences during versus after treatment in any of the groups. Cefotiam or cefotiam/furosemide treated patients displayed higher proteinuria and higher urinary excretion of lysosomal enzymes (leucine aminopeptidase) than patients treated with cefuroxime or cefuroxime/furosemide. Our data indicate higher tubulotoxicity of cefotiam compared to cefuroxime.