ABSTRACT
The objective of this open label, non-comparative study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fleroxacin 400mg administered orally once daily to patients with acute osteomyelitis and/or acute septic arthritis. Nineteen patients (10 males and 9 females) were evaluable for the analysis of clinical efficacy and safety. Of these, 7 (36.8%) had osteomyelitis and 12 (63.2%) had septic arthritis. Bacteriological cures were reported in 6 of 7 patients (85.7%) with osteomyelitis and in 8 of 11 patients (72.7%) with septic arthritis. The median duration of treatment for the clinical cures in osteomyelitis and septic arthritis were 29.5 days and 46 days respectively. The eradication rate for the most common pathogens, Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus were 77.7% and 80.0%, respectively. The clinical response was cure in 4 of 7 patients (57.1%) evaluable for osteomyelitis, and in 9 of 12 patients (75.0%) evaluable for septic arthritis at the three-month follow-up after treatment. Adverse reactions were minimal. It is concluded that fleroxacin appears to be an effective and safe in the treatment of acute osteomyelitis and acute septic arthritis.
Subject(s)
Acute Disease , Adult , Aged , Arthritis, Infectious/drug therapy , Bacteremia/drug therapy , Female , Fleroxacin/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Osteomyelitis/drug therapy , Prospective Studies , Remission Induction , Taiwan/epidemiologyABSTRACT
From May 1, 1985 to December 31, 1991, a total of 4,962,707 serum samples from 8 population groups in Taiwan were tested for anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1). In total, 256 samples were seropositive; of these individuals, 43 developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): 29 were homosexuals; 5 were hemophiliacs; 8 were heterosexuals and 1 was of unknown risk. Although the prevalence of HIV-1 infection and AIDS remains low compared with other countries, since 1988 the increase has been rapid. Before 1977 the majority were homosexuals and hemophiliacs; thereafter the risk groups diversified, with a trend away from homosexuals and hemophiliacs towards heterosexuals and intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs). A few patients have caused serious social problems for the public, health care workers and families. Active community efforts are needed to achieve future success in the control of HIV-1 infection and AIDS in Taiwan.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Seroprevalence , HIV-1 , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Taiwan/epidemiology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Pharmacokinetic properties of ceftriaxone, such as sustained tissue drug levels over 24 hours after a single injection; good penetration of the antibiotic into cells; significant biliary excretion as active unchanged compound and high potency against S. typhi, should make it possible to significantly shorten the treatment of typhoid fever. To test this hypothesis a pilot, open study was initiated. 17 adult patients suffering from uncomplicated typhoid or paratyphoid fever, documented by blood culture, were treated with 4g ceftriaxone once daily for three days (4 patients) or two days (15 patients). The cure rate of 17 assessable patients was 94.2% (one failure). One possible relapse was observed two months after treatment. It is to be noted that no patient in the study suffered from a severe form of the disease.