Linezolid-induced haematological toxicity

Farm Hosp. 2015 Nov 1;39(6):320-6. doi: 10.7399/fh.2015.39.6.8305.

Abstract

Objective: to determine the incidence of linezolid-induced haematological toxicity and study the influence of renal clearance on its appearance and the preventive effect of pyridoxine.

Methods: a retrospective observational study was conducted. Every patient treated with linezolid in a university hospital during 6 months was included. Haematological toxicity was defined as a decrease of 25% in hemoglobin, of 25% in platelets and/or 50% in neutrophils from baseline. The incidence of haematological toxicity and the percentage decrease in analytical variables were compared in patients with and without renal failure (creatinine clearance lower than 50 mL/min), using the 30 mL/min threshold, and with or without pyridoxine; using Chi -Square and U Mann-Whitney tests, respectively.

Results: thirty-eight patients were evaluated. Sixteen (42%) presented haematological toxicity (2 due to a decrease in haemoglobin, 9 in platelets and 8 in neutrophils). Two patients (5%) discontinued treatment due to thrombocytopenia. Toxicity incidence was similar in patients with and without renal failure, 42% vs 42%, p = 0.970, with more or less than 30 ml/min, 67% vs 40%, p = 0.369, or with or without pyridoxine, 47.8% vs 33%, p = 0.376. Patients with renal failure had a significantly greater reduction in platelet count, p = 0.0185.

Conclusion: forty-two percent of patients had haematological toxicity, being more frequent platelets and neutrophils reduction. This was not significantly higher in patients with renal failure or in those without pyridoxine. Greater reduction in platelet count was observed in patients with renal failure.

Objetivo: determinar la incidencia de toxicidad hematológica por linezolid. Estudiar la influencia del aclaramiento renal en su aparición y la efectividad de la piridoxina en su prevención. Método: estudio observacional retrospectivo de todos los pacientes tratados con linezolid en un hospital universitario en seis meses. Se consideró toxicidad hematológica a la disminución del 25% de la hemoglobina, del 25% de las plaquetas y/o del 50% de neutrófilos al final respecto al inicio del tratamiento. Se comparó en los pacientes con y sin fallo renal (aclaramiento de creatinina inferior a 50 mL/min), con más o menos de 30 mL/min, y con o sin piridoxina, la incidencia de toxicidad hematológica mediante Chi-Cuadrado y la disminución en el porcentaje de variables analíticas hematológicas mediante U Mann-Whitney. Resultados: se evaluaron 38 pacientes. Dieciséis (42%) presentaron toxicidad hematológica (2 por disminución de hemoglobina, 9 de plaquetas y 8 de neutrófilos). En 2 pacientes (5%) se suspendió el tratamiento por plaquetopenia. La incidencia de toxicidad fue similar en pacientes con y sin insuficiencia renal, 42% vs. 42%, p = 0,970, con más o menos de 30 mL/min, 67% vs. 40%, p = 0,369, con piridoxina o sin ella, 47,8% vs. 33%, p = 0,376. Los pacientes con fallo renal presentaron una reducción significativamente mayor de plaquetas, p = 0,0185. Conclusiones: un 42% de los pacientes presentó toxicidad hematológica, más frecuentemente disminución de plaquetas y neutrófilos. Esta no fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes con fallo renal, ni en aquellos sin piridoxina. Se halló mayor reducción de plaquetas en los pacientes con insuficiencia renal.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hematologic Diseases / blood
  • Hematologic Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Linezolid / adverse effects*
  • Linezolid / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neutropenia / blood
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Pyridoxine / therapeutic use
  • Renal Insufficiency / complications
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vitamins
  • Linezolid
  • Pyridoxine