The Role of Sulfadiazine for the Treatment of Refractory Intracranial Infection.

AIM: Sulfadiazine (SD) is a classic antibiotic for intracranial infection. Due to the medical market policy, SD has not been chosen as an essential drug in all the hospitals in China. However, its therapeutic effect is definite and cannot be substituted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic and economic value of SD compared to other popular antibiotics in patients with refractory intracranial infection.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was performed from January 2011 until December 2012. Thirteen patients diagnosed with refractory intracranial infection were treated with SD. The clinical effects were reviewed.

RESULTS

Treatment was successful for 12 of the patients (cure rate=92.3%). One patient died of secondary epilepsy, respiratory complications, and multiple organ failure. Only one patient was allergic to SD, and there were no drug-related liver or kidney side effects.

CONCLUSION

SD is a safe, effective, and economical antibiotic, and is used by our neurosurgical department. It should be offered as an option for the patients with refractory intracranial infection, especially for patients with lower ability to pay.