Clinical outcomes of linezolid monotherapy vs. combination therapy in vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections.

BACKGROUND

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Linezolid-based combinations are increasingly used despite limited comparative data. We compared real-world outcomes of linezolid monotherapy vs. combination therapy and characterized longitudinal hematologic trends.

METHODS

This retrospective study (2014-2024) evaluated adults receiving definitive linezolid-based therapy for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus at a tertiary-care hospital. Propensity score matching based on APACHE II scores compared clinical outcomes between treatment arms. Longitudinal hematologic parameters were analysed to assess safety.

RESULTS

Post-propensity score matching, 36 patients were analysed (n = 18 per group). No significant differences occurred in in-hospital 30-day mortality or overall in-hospital mortality. However, combination therapy significantly shortened median time to microbiological clearance (4 vs. 6 d; P = 0.02) and post-infection length of stay (18 vs. 30 d; P = 0.04). Safety analysis revealed progressive platelet decline (159.0-98.0 × 10⁹/L) within a median of 10 d, while haemoglobin and absolute neutrophil count remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Linezolid-based combination therapy did not demonstrate a survival benefit over monotherapy but was associated with accelerated microbiological clearance and reduced hospital stay. The early onset of hematologic changes across the cohort underscores the necessity for rigorous monitoring during linezolid administration.