High incidence of vancomycin-associated leucopenia and neutropenia in a cardiothoracic surgical unit

摘要: A retrospective case record review was undertaken to determine the incidence of vancomycin-associated leucopenia in a cardiothoracic surgical unit. Forty-nine patients received 50 courses vancomycin therapy. Nine (18%) developed reversible (white cell count less than 4000 x 10(6)/l) or neutropenia (polymorphonuclear leucocyte 1500 10(6)/l). Four (8%) had severe (less 1000 The median total dosage associated with and 30 g, range 22-56 g. duration treatment leucopenic neutropenic 22 days, 6-28 days. recovery time normal white 4 1-11 Patients who on therapy did not differ from those respect age, dose, length therapy, underlying illness, cardiac surgery use concomitant medications. Vancomycin-associated is common infections, many whom are several other White counts should be estimated regularly such patients.