Risk of Skin Necrosis Related to Injectable Vancomycin in Critically Ill Newborn Infants

Abstract

Skin necrosis caused by the administration of vancomycin via a peripheral venous catheter is rarely diagnosed. We report a case of a male infant born at 30 weeks’ gestational age who developed a skin necrosis, most probably related to vancomycin administration on a peripheral venous catheter. The frailty of this critically ill newborn probably increased its risk of exposition to adverse events. To prevent any damaging effect, the administration of vancomycin at a concentration lower than 2.5 mg/mL should be recommended when a central venous catheter is not available for the administration of injectable vancomycin in critically ill newborn.