[Clinical evaluation of ceftazidime in the treatment of neonatal infections].

Ceftazidime (CAZ) was evaluated for its safety and efficacy in 27 newborns. Four confirmed cases of bacterial infections were cured by the CAZ therapy (efficacy rate 100%). The CAZ was assessed as effective in sepsis (2) and urinary tract infections (2). Main pathogens which responded to CAZ were Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae and Acinetobacter anitratum. As adverse effects, elevations of GOT and GPT (1 case) were found to be associated with the CAZ therapy. Half-lives of the serum levels in mature infants were 1.93-3.52 hours, and those in low birth weight infants were 2.92-4.17 hours. Penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid in 1 case of viral meningitis was satisfactory. The data suggest that CAZ is a safe and effective injectable antibiotic when used in newborn with infection caused by CAZ-susceptible bacteria.