Faculty Collaboration Database

Efficacy and safety of linezolid versus vancomycin for the treatment of complicated skin and soft-tissue infections proven to be caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Am J Surg 2010 Jun;199(6):804-16

Date

03/17/2010

Pubmed ID

20227056

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.08.045

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-77953558104 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   133 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This open-label study compared oral or intravenous linezolid with intravenous vancomycin for treatment of complicated skin and soft-tissue infections (cSSTIs) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

METHODS: Patients with proven MRSA cSSTI were randomized to receive linezolid or vancomycin. Clinical and microbiologic outcomes, duration of antimicrobial therapy, length of hospital stay, and safety were assessed.

RESULTS: In the per-protocol population, the rate of clinical success was similar in linezolid- and vancomycin-treated patients (P = .249). The rate of success was significantly higher in linezolid-treated patients in the modified intent-to-treat population (P = .048). The microbiologic success rate was higher for linezolid at the end of treatment (P < .001) and was similar at the end of the study (P = .127). Patients receiving linezolid had a significantly shorter length of stay and duration of intravenous therapy than patients receiving vancomycin. Both agents were well tolerated. Adverse events were similar to each drug's established safety profile.

CONCLUSIONS: Linezolid is an effective alternative to vancomycin for the treatment of cSSTI caused by MRSA.

Author List

Itani KM, Dryden MS, Bhattacharyya H, Kunkel MJ, Baruch AM, Weigelt JA

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acetamides
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anti-Infective Agents
Chi-Square Distribution
Female
Humans
Length of Stay
Linezolid
Male
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Middle Aged
Oxazolidinones
Prospective Studies
Soft Tissue Infections
Staphylococcal Infections
Treatment Outcome
Vancomycin