Vancomycin for Staphylococcal Shunt Site Infections in Patients on Regular Haemodialysis

Abstract

Six anuric patients with Scribner shunt site infections were treated by intermittent infusion of vancomycin into the shunt, and a satisfactory clinical response was obtained in five. Serum levels of the antibiotic were estimated frequently. From estimating serum levels and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin for a range of hospital staphylococci a dose of 1g. vancomycin every seven days is recommended as a suitable schedule for treating staphylococcal infection in this situation.