Dose Finding Study of Cefepime for Chronic Respiratory Infections

In order to determine the optimal dose of cefepime (CFPM) for respiratory tract infections, a dose finding study was conducted in patients with chronic respiratory tract infections, and the clinical properties of the drugs were compared with those of ceftazidime (CAZ). Each drug was administered by intravenous drip infusion at the dose of 2 g/day of CFPM, 4g/day of CFPM or 2g/day of CAZ for 14 days. 1. The overall efficacy rates evaluated by the committee were 82.6%(19/23) for the CFPM 2g/day group, 85.0%(17/20) for the 4g/day group and 79.3%(23/29) for the CAZ 2g/day group, with no statistically significant difference among the three groups. 2. The overall efficacy rates evaluated by the attending physicians were 91.3%(21/23) for the CFPM 2g/day group, 78.9%(15/19) for the CFPM 4g/day group and 75.9%(22/29) for the CAZ 2g/day group, with no significantdifferenceerence among the three groups. 3. Bacteriological eradication rates were 88.2%(15/17) for the CFPM 2g/day group, 68.8%(11/16) for the CFPM 4g/day group and 63.2%(12/19) for the CAZ 2g/day group, with no statistically significant difference among the three groups. 4. The incidences of adverse reactions were 3.8%(1/26) for the CFPM 2g/day group, 9.1%(2/22) for the CFPM 4g/day group and 3.4%(1/29) for the CAZ 2g/day group, with no significant difference among the three groups. The incidences of abnormal laboratory findings were 37.5%(9/24) for the CFPM 2g/day group, 15.0%(3/20) for the CFPM 4g/day group and 3.4%(1/29) for the CAZ 2g/day group. There was a significant difference erence among the three groups. 5. Utility rates assessed by the committee were 81.8%(18/22) for the CFPM 2g/day group, 76.2%(16/21) for the CFPM 4g/day group and 75.9%(22/29) for the CAZ 2g/day group. Utility rates assessed by attending physicians were 90.9%(20/22), 78.9%(15/19) and 72.4%(21/29), respectively. There was no significant difference among the three groups. From the above results, it is concluded that the optimal dosage of CFPM is 2g/day for chronic respiratory tract infections.