Randomized trial of cefamandole plus amdinocillin versus cefamandole in serious pediatric infections

In a randomized, prospective clinical trial cefamandole therapy was compared with cefamandole plus amdinocillin in infants and children with suspected bacterial infections. Fifty-two infections in 50 patients with bone and joint (19 infections), pulmonary (19 infections), soft tissue (eight infections), and urinary tract (6 infections) diseases were treated. Bacterial infection was documented in 31 patients. All isolates were susceptible to cefamandole except one strain of Serratia marcescens, which was susceptible to the combination. In vitro synergy was demonstrated in all coliform bacilli, in three of seven Haemophilus strains, and in six of 16 gram-positive cocci. No correlation between degree of serum bactericidal activity and presence or absence of synergy could be demonstrated. One patient treated with cefamandole died; all other patients responded promptly to therapy without serious adverse drug effects.