Linezolid Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report

Linezolid (LZD) is an antimicrobial agent with a broad spectrum of activity against virtually all clinically important Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Thrombocytopenia (TP) is a common adverse effect of Linezolid (LZD). Prolonged treatment duration, renal insufficiency, chronic liver disease, malignancy, previous vancomycin use, baseline platelet count, and lower body weight have been reported as possible risk factors for LZD-associated TP. Here, we illustrate a case of a 51-year-old male patient diagnosed with pancreatitis and urinary tract infection and was prescribed several antibiotics including Linezolid. In this case, platelets count which were initially normal started declining from day 7 of initiating Linezolid. Linezolid was withdrawn from treatment from day 9. Platelet count gradually came back to normal on day 16. This suggests reversible type of thrombocytopenia by Linezolid. This case illustrates need for careful observation of platelet count during the treatment with Linezolid. Keywords: Linezolid, Thrombocytopenia, Dechallenge