Retrospective cohort chart review study of factors associated with the development of thrombocytopenia in adult Japanese patients who received intravenous linezolid therapy

Abstract Background : Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic agent active against Gram-positive bacteria. It has been associated with hematologic adverse effects such as thrombocytopenia. Little is known about the mechanism underlying thrombocytopenia in patients who receive intravenous linezolid. Objective : The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors associated with the development of thrombocytopenia in adult Japanese patients who received intravenous linezolid therapy. Methods : This was a retrospective review of the medical charts of patients who were treated with linezolid 600 mg IV BID (q12h) between June 2006 and March 2008 at Gifu University Hospital in Gifu, Japan. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records obtained from a central database in the hospital. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a decrease in platelet count of ≥25% and a final platelet count of