An open randomised comparative trial of the efficacy and safety of
Augmentin as against the triple
therapy of
penicillin-
gentamicin-
metronidazole in acute
salpingitis was conducted in forty women admitted to hospital. Laparoscopy was performed routinely to confirm the diagnosis. The two groups of patients were comparable as to age and clinical and
biological symptoms and the severity of the
salpingitis (grade I to IV, with the presence or absence of
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome). Treatment was started immediately after the laparoscopy, first by parental route until the patient had been apyrexic for 48 hours. Oral follow-up was then commenced. Twenty women received
Augmentin and twenty the triple
antibiotic therapy. Specimens for bacteriological study were obtained before treatment (culture of the urine, culture from the IUD and from the cervix, and swabs were taken laparoscopically). This made it possible to identify aerobic and anaerobic organisms. (The gonococcus was found more often in the group treated with triple
antibiotics). On discharge, cures had been obtained in 12 women and 6 more were responding out of the
Augmentin group. Out of the triple therapy group 8 were cured and 10 were responding. There was one failure in each group (persisting
fever). Long-term assessment was carried out in the out-patients three weeks after discharge. 11 out of the 13 reviewed in the
Augmentin group and 8 out of the 14 in the triple therapy group were considered as definitely cured. The clinical safety of both treatments was good. These results demonstrate that
Augmentin is as effective as the combined
therapy in treating acute
salpingitis and with the added advantage of its easy use and lower cost.