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Linezolid for treatment of subdural empyema due to Streptococcus: case reports

Laurent Lefebvre1, Philippe Metellus, Henry Dufour

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, CHU Timone, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.

Surgical Neurology
|February 12, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Recurrent subdural empyema, a serious infection, may improve with linezolid when standard antibiotics fail. This antibiotic showed efficacy and safety in two challenging cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Recurring subdural empyema is a life-threatening condition.
  • Poor antibiotic diffusion into the subdural space complicates treatment.
  • Conventional therapies often prove insufficient.

Observation:

  • Two cases of recurrent subdural empyema caused by Streptococcus are presented.
  • Patients received high-dose beta-lactamines and vancomycin with repeat surgeries.
  • Linezolid was introduced due to persistent infection.

Findings:

  • Both patients experienced significant clinical and radiological improvement after linezolid administration.
  • Linezolid treatment lasted 36 and 90 days respectively.
  • No drug-related adverse effects were observed.

Implications:

  • Linezolid offers a potential treatment option for refractory subdural empyema.
  • Consider off-label linezolid use for gram-positive bacterial empyema post-conventional therapy failure.
  • Further research into linezolid's role in CNS infections is warranted.

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