ABSTRACT
A prospective, randomized controlled study was carried out in 104 patients to compare clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin ('Augmentin') with a combination of cephalosporins (cefazoline and cefadroxil) supplemented with metronidazole in the treatment of abdominal septic states, suspected or proven after surgical intervention. Patients on 'Augmentin' received 1.2 g (1 g amoxycillin plus 200 mg clavulanic acid) intravenously 3-times daily for a mean of 6.6 days, then 375 mg (250 amoxycillin plus 125 mg clavulanic acid) orally for a further 6.4 days. Patients on the standard therapy received 1 g cefazoline intravenously 4-times daily plus 500 mg metronidazole intravenously 3-times daily for 7 days, then 500 mg cefadroxil orally 4-times daily for a mean of 6.6 days. Evaluation of the patients' condition was undertaken after 24 hours, 3 days and 7 days. The results showed a significantly better response to treatment in the 'Augmentin' group, as judged by the amelioration of clinical symptoms, bacteriological findings, and tolerance. All the patients treated with 'Augmentin' showed an excellent or satisfactory overall response at Day 7 compared with 76% of those receiving the standard therapy.
