Efficacy and tolerability of prolonged linezolid therapy in the treatment of orthopedic implant infections

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2007 May;26(5):353-6. doi: 10.1007/s10096-007-0289-1.

Abstract

The aim of the study presented here was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of linezolid in the treatment of orthopedic implant infections (OII). Eighty-five patients with an OII treated with linezolid were prospectively followed up for a minimum of 12 months from the end of antibiotic therapy. Outcome was evaluated in relation to the duration and type of symptoms (acute or chronic) and the retention or removal of the implant. For acute and chronic infections, the respective success rates were 100 and 92.3% when the implant was removed and 72.2 and 42.8% when it was not. The median length of linezolid treatment in acute and chronic infections was 47 and 60 days, respectively. Thrombocytopenia was observed in four (4.7%) patients and anemia in five (5.8%). The results suggest oral linezolid is an effective and well-tolerated alternative for treating OII.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetamides / adverse effects
  • Acetamides / therapeutic use*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Joint Prosthesis / microbiology
  • Linezolid
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxazolidinones / adverse effects
  • Oxazolidinones / therapeutic use*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Acetamides
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Oxazolidinones
  • Linezolid