Vancomycin-induced severe thrombocytopenia in a young infant

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2018 Nov-Dec;51(6):873-875. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0150-2018.

Abstract

Vancomycin is a first-line drug for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Thrombocytopenia is a rare adverse reaction to vancomycin treatment, and there are no reports of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) in infants. We describe the case of a 3-month-old girl who was diagnosed with purulent meningitis. After 13 days of treatment with vancomycin, her platelet count reduced to 8 × 109/L. Vancomycin was discontinued, and intravenous methylprednisolone was administered. The platelet count returned to normal after 4 days. Patients, especially young children, receiving vancomycin for a long clinical course should undergo careful monitoring of laboratory indicators and blood tests.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Thrombocytopenia / diagnosis
  • Time Factors
  • Vancomycin / adverse effects*
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vancomycin