Abstract
Linezolid is increasingly being utilized for the treatment of Gram-positive pathogens. While neurological complications with linezolid are rare, long-term exposure can be associated with neurotoxic effects. Patients with pre-existing neurologic sequelae or risk factors, such as alcohol abuse, diabetes, or concomitant administration of chemotherapeutic agents and/or antiretroviral therapy, may be more susceptible to the development of linezolid-induced neurotoxicity. We describe a 41-year-old male who developed early onset encephalopathy after a day and a half of linezolid therapy. Our patient had at least one significant risk factor (alcoholism), making linezolid-induced encephalopathy probable based upon the Naranjo probability scale. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for early onset linezolid-induced neurotoxicity, particularly in patients with concomitant risk factors.
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Fletcher, J., Aykroyd, L.E., Feucht, E.C. et al. Early onset probable linezolid-induced encephalopathy. J Neurol 257, 433–435 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-009-5340-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-009-5340-y