Aerosolized Vancomycin Therapy Facilitating Nursing Home Placement

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate a novel method of eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a debilitated, hospitalized patient.

DESIGN:

Single-patient, nonblind, nonplacebo, case study.

SETTING:

Community hospital, Brooklyn, NY.

PATIENT:

Hospitalized patient with recalcitrant nasopharyngeal MRSA colonization that could not be eliminated by conventional therapeutic interventions.

INTERVENTIONS:

Aerosolized vancomycin hydrochloride 120 mg q6h administered in room air via face mask together with vancomycin nasal drops, 2 drops to each nostril q6h.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:

Elimination of MRSA from the nasopharynx of the patient.

RESULTS:

Successful elimination of MRSA colonization after four days of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Aerosolized vancomycin in combination with vancomycin nasal drops is beneficial in eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by MRSA. Clinical trials are warranted to confirm this clinical observation.