| Methods |
Randomised controlled trial.
Single centre (UK) study.
Randomisation method: unclear.
Blinding of assessors: not stated.
Patient stratification: not used.
Power calculation: not performed.
Intention‐to‐treat analysis: not performed.
Sub‐group analysis: not performed.
Follow up: 2 weeks. |
| Participants |
Number of patients: 107.
53 (Cefotetan, C) versus 25 (Gentamicin/penicillin G/metronidazole, G‐P‐M) versus 29 (Cephradine/metronidazole, C‐M).
Median age: 67.
Age range: 17‐92.
Inclusion criteria: > 16 years of age, judged on clinical grounds to be moderately or severely ill and to require antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections.
Exclusion criteria: known allergy to study drugs, lactating or pregnant females, on any investigational drugs or antibiotics and patients unlikely to survive a course of treatment. |
| Interventions |
3 regimens:
1) Cefotetan 2 g (12 hourly).
2) Gentamicin 80 mg (8 hourly) and penicillin G 600 mg (6 hourly) and metronidazole 500 mg (8 hourly).
3) Cephradine 1 g (6 hourly) and metronidazole 500 mg (8 hourly).
Monitoring of gentamicin levels: not stated.
Timing of antibiotic infusion: not stated.
Length: not stated. |
| Outcomes |
Clinical success.
Mortality.
Wound infection. |
| Notes |
19/107 ( 18%) of patients had complicated appendicitis.
No statistically significant difference shown.Results also published elsewhere as Scott 1987a (excluded studies). |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
