Ertapenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam for the treatment of diabetic foot infections-A retrospective study

The aim of this study is to compare ertapenem and piperacillin/tazobactum for the treatment of diabetic foot infection (DFI), in terms of measurable end points as efficacy, safety, compliance of treatment and decreased microbial resistance. We are also looking for cost effectiveness while choosing these two antibiotics. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving patients who were admitted under General surgery through A and E of Rashid hospital with diabetic foot infection. Patient selection was done by reviewing the history, complete physical examination, limb and ulcer examination. Culture and sensitivity of blood, wound swabs and deep tissue swab were checked, along with the imaging. Patients were then divided in two groups, one received intravenous ertapenem (1gm daily), the other group received intravenous Piperacillin-Tazobactam (4.5 gm every 8 hours). Results: Results were analysed statistically and conclusions were drawn. Conclusion: Overall results show that in terms of wound healing, length of stay, and debridement ertapenem is superior to tazocin. Ertapenem is also more cost effective as compared to Tazocin. However as more patients had to be switched over from ertapenem to tazocin as they were notresponding, therefore further big scale studies are required to compare the effectiveness of these two antibiotics in DFI patients.