Comparison of intravenous/oral ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole versus piperacillin/tazobactam in the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infections.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) ciprofloxacin plus IV metronidazole (CIP+MET) with that of IV piperacillin/tazobactam (PIP/TAZO) in adults with complicated intraabdominal infections, and to compare the efficacy of sequential IV-to-oral CIP+MET therapy with that of the IV CIP-only regimen. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Treatment of intraabdominal infections remains a challenge, mainly because of their polymicrobial etiology and attendant death and complications. Antimicrobial regimens using sequential IV-to-oral therapy may reduce the length of hospital stay. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial involving 459 patients, clinically improved IV-treated patients were switched to oral therapy after 48 hours. Overall clinical response was the primary efficacy measurement. RESULTS: A total of 282 patients (151 CIP+MET, 131 PIP/TAZO) were valid for efficacy. Of these patients, 64% CIP+MET and 57% PIP/TAZO patients were considered candidates for oral therapy. Patients had a mean APACHE II score of 9.6. The most common diagnoses were appendicitis (33%), other intraabdominal infection (29%), and abscess (25%). Overall clinical resolution rates were statistically superior for CIP+MET (74%) compared with PIP/TAZO (63%). Corresponding rates in the subgroup suitable for oral therapy were 85% for CIP+MET and 70% for PIP/TAZO. Postsurgical wound infection rates were significantly lower in CIP+MET (11%) versus PIP/TAZO patients (19%). Mean length of stay was 14 days for CIP+MET and 17 days for PIP/TAZO patients. CONCLUSION: CIP+MET, initially administered IV and followed by CIP+MET oral therapy, was clinically more effective than IV PIP/TAZO for the treatment of patients with complicated intraabdominal infections.

Resuscitation of pulmonary contusion: effects of a red cell substitute.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a vasoactive red cell substitute, diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin, on respiratory derangements after traumatic lung injury. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled animal experiment. SETTING: Large-animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Mechanically ventilated, anesthetized young Yorkshire male swine (15 to 20 kg). INTERVENTIONS: Pigs (n = 6/group) received two pneumatic blasts to the right thoracic cage at baseline, were hemorrhaged 30 mL/kg from t = 0 to 20 mins, resuscitated with 0.9% saline (group 1, 90 mL/ kg) or diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (group 2, 15 mL/kg) from t = 20 to 40 mins, and then observed to t = 240 mins. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Serial pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic measurements, total thoracic compliance assessment, spiral three-dimensional computed tomography scan, and lung weights (n = 3/group) were used to assess lesion size and lung water. Mean arterial pressure was restored in both animal groups. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly higher after resuscitation in animals receiving the red cell substitute. Oxygenation worsened mildly in both groups. Compliance diminished in both groups but was significantly worse at the end of the experiment in animals infused with diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin. Right lung weights and right thoracic computed tomography scan volume were higher with diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin than with saline. CONCLUSIONS: After pulmonary contusion, resuscitation with diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin led to pulmonary hypertension, greater pulmonary contusion lesion size, and stiffer lungs in this porcine model.