Linezolid versus vancomycin for skin and soft tissue infections

Abstract BackgroundThe morbidity and treatment costs associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are high. Linezolid and vancomycin are antibiotics that are commonly used in treating skin and soft‐tissue infections, specifically those infections due to methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). ObjectivesTo compare the effects and safety of linezolid and vancomycin for treating people with SSTIs. Search methodsIn May 2013 we conducted searches of the following databases: Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In‐Process & Other Non‐Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. We also contacted manufacturers for details of unpublished and ongoing trials. We scrutinised citations within all obtained trials and major review articles to identify any additional trials. Selection criteriaWe included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing linezolid with vancomycin in the treatment of SSTIs. Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. The primary outcomes were clinical cure, microbiological cure, and SSTI‐related and treatment‐related mortality. We performed subgroup analyses according to age, and whether the infection was due to MRSA. Main resultsWe included nine RCTs (3144 participants). Linezolid was associated with a significantly bette...
Source: Evidence-Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Intervention Review Source Type: research