Antibiotics in the Treatment of Chronic Staphylococcal Osteomyelitis

Abstract

Patients (14) with chronic osteomyelitis were treated with oral penicillin, oxacillin or cloxacillin at a dose of 5 g/day, plus 0.5 g of probenecid (Benemid) 3 or 4 times/day. Treatment was continued for 2 1/2-6 mo. In 10 patients, evidence of osteomyelitis disappeared and there was no recurrence during follow-up periods varying from 6 mo. to 2 1/2 yr. Significant hepatotoxicity was encountered in 2 patients; one similar patient, not in this series but receiving a similar regimen of antibiotic, developed leukopenia. Patients with chronic osteomyelitis appear to benefit from such a therapeutic program, but they must be monitored closely for hepatic or hematologic toxicity.