© 1997 by Oxford University Press
research-article |
Benzathine Penicillin for Unilateral Lobar or Segmental Infiltrates Presumptively Caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae in Children 212 Years Old
es, MD, ScD**,
*Departments of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minos Gerais, Av. Alfredo Balena Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
**Departments of Preventive and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
***Departments of Radiology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minos Gerais Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 30130, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Correspondence: Mark D. Guimar
es, MD, ScD, Departmento de Medicina Preventativa e Social, Faculdade de Medicina, UFMG, Av. Alfredo Balena 190, 10 Andar, 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
A randomized controlled study was carried out to assess the efficacy of a single dose of benzathine penicillin for treating children 212 years old with presumed S. pneumoniae pneumonia. One-hundred-and-seventy-six children screened at self-referral pediatric emergency services in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were randomized to only one injection of benzathine penicillin (n = 93, casegroup) or a 7-day procaine penicillin regimen (n = 83, control-group), upon diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia based on clinical and radiological characteristics. Follow-up was carried out on the second day after treatment and around the 7th and/or 14th day after treatment allocation. No statistical significant difference was found for sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory or radiographic characteristics among the two groups. Evident or total radiographic clearing was demonstrated for 92.3 and 95.1 per cent of the benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin groups, respectively (P = 0.54). Benzathine penicillin may be considered an alternative to classic regimens for treating pneumonia due to sensitive strains of S. pneumoniae among children 212 years old. Other benefits are its lower cost, better compliance and low rates of adverse reactions.