Abstract |
The aim of this study was to determine whether procaine penicillin could be used in the treatment of suspected pneumococcal pneumonia of mild to moderate severity in an area with a high prevalence of penicillin resistance. Forty-nine patients were treated with 1.2 x 10(6) U of i.m. procaine penicillin every 12 h. By intent-to-treat analysis, 40 of 49 patients were cured and no patient died. Streptococcus pneumoniae could be demonstrated in 17 patients; 5 of 17 isolates were resistant to penicillin (MICs 0.25-4 microg/ml). Fifteen of 17 patients were cured with procaine penicillin, one presented allergy, and one was a therapeutic failure. Mean penicillin serum levels were 2.39 +/- 1.16 microg/ml (peak) and 0.61 +/- 0.38 microg/ml (trough). The results suggest that procaine penicillin may still be useful in the empirical therapy of suspected pneumococcal pneumonia.
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Authors | C Cabellos, J Ariza, B Barreiro, F Tubau, J Liñares, R Pallarés, F Manresa, F Gudiol |
Journal | European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
(Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis)
Vol. 17
Issue 4
Pg. 265-8
(Apr 1998)
ISSN: 0934-9723 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 9707309
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Penicillins
- Penicillin G Procaine
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Penicillin G Procaine
(therapeutic use)
- Penicillin Resistance
- Penicillins
(therapeutic use)
- Pneumonia, Pneumococcal
(drug therapy)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
(drug effects)
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