Relationship Between Renal Dysfunction and Linezolid-Associated Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

  The frequency of linezolid-associated thrombocytopenia becomes higher if administration is continued for more than 14 days. However, as we had experienced this side effect among patients with renal dysfunction, we examined the relationship between renal dysfunction and linezolid-associated thrombocytopenia in 30 patients from October 2006 to July 2010. We found a negative correlation between creatinine clearance and rate of decline of platelet count. There was also a negative correlation between creatinine clearance and days required for recovery of platelet count after completing linezolid treatment. If patients with renal dysfunction should receive normal doses of linezolid, we should be careful because of the risk for higher rate of thrombocytopenia and/or delay of recovery in such patients.