Background: Infections in neutropenic patients are considered as major causes of mortality and the emergence of drug resistance. Gram positive bacterial infections are crucially important to be covered if indicated. Vancomycin is active against most Gram positive bacteria including Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). In this study, we evaluated the appropriate utilization of this agent in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients.
Methods: In a cross sectional study, all patients who received vancomycin in a seven months period at bone marrow transplantation research center in Shariati teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran, were entered to the study. Clinical and preclinical parameters such as serum creatinine, microbial culture, antibacterial sensitivity, WBC count and fever were collected and recorded for analysis. We also measured vancomycin trough level after administration of three doses.
Results: Fifty one patients were entered in the study and reviewed in two adult BMT wards. The age range was 18 to 65 years. Most patients received allogenic versus autologous transplantation (56.9%, 43.1%). About 80% of the vancomycin used for the patients with febrile neutropenia was compatible with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline. 21.6% of patients received appropriate doses. Vancomycin trough serum concentration range was 15.0±11.9 μg/mL.
Conclusion: Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat resistant gram-positive infections and must be prescribed by a specialist. Vancomycin wrong dosing or initiation prescribing with dose 1 gr/q12h increases the resistance and toxicity to drug, and cause an inappropriate response to the drug.