Clinical evaluation after a notification policy of linezolid use: a case series of 22 patients

Linezolid exhibits a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive cocci, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (mRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRe). However, recent studies have already reported the emergence of linezolid-resistant mRSA or VRe. the purpose of this study is to evaluate not only the efficacy of linezolid for the treatment of nosocomial mRSA infections but also the effect of a notification policy of linezolid use. the charts of inpatients who had been treated with linezolid were reviewed for clinical outcome. After introduction of the notification policy of linezolid use, the clinical success rate was 73.3%, and the rate of appropriate linezolid use was 80%, whereas the success rate was 14.2% and the appropriate use rate was 14.3% before the policy. in conclusion, appropriate use controlled by a notification policy of antibiotics use is essential for prevention of the emergence and spread of linezolid-resistant bacteria, and for proper demonstration of its antibacterial ability.