Mild Nephrotoxicity Associated With Vancomycin Use

Abstract

Nephrotoxicity related to vancomycin hydrochloride therapy has been reported at overall rates of 7% to 16% and as high as 35% when combined with an aminoglycoside antibiotic. We conducted a prospective study in older men. A group that received vancomycin was compared with a control group to determine the incidence of nephrotoxicity secondary to vancomycin therapy alone and in combination with aminoglycosides, to identify possible risk factors associated with nephrotoxicity, and to determine the incidence of other adverse effects associated with vancomycin use. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 11 (17%) of 66 patients receiving vancomycin and in 3 (5%) of 57 controls overall. Stepwise logistic-regression analysis failed to identify underlying illnesses or concurrent risks that may have contributed to the development of nephrotoxicity associated with vancomycin. Adverse effects, including phlebitis (14%), neutropenia (1%), rash (0%), and red neck syndrome (0%), occurred at rates similar to previous reports.