Linezolid-induced Lactic Acidosis

Abstract

Lactic acidosis is a known complication of long-term linezolid therapy. We present a case where lactic acidosis developed only after 2 doses of linezolid. A review of literature revealed only 2 cases in which lactic acidosis developed soon after linezolid treatment was commenced. Both patients had underlying immunocompromising conditions. Our patient, like the previous 2 reports had an underlying immunocompromising condition – acute myeloid leukemia. It seems that linezolid has the propensity of inducing lactic acidosis soon after its commencement in immunocompromised patients.