Vancomycin-induced acute tubular necrosis

Objectives: To report nephrotoxicity in the form of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) related to vancomycin. Methods: This study was conducted at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Saudi Aramco, Dharan, Saudi Arabia between June and August 2013. All patients who received intravenous vancomycin as a part of the hospital's vancomycin stewardship program were monitored for the development of ATN. Results: A total of 89 patients received vancomycin over a 3-month period. Three patients developed ATN attributed to high levels of vancomycin, with an incidence of 3.4%. Conclusion: Intravenous vancomycin is nephrotoxic and can lead to ATN. The medical community must be aware of the potential risks of vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity. Renal function and vanomycin drug levels should be closely monitored.