Vancomycin‐induced thrombocytopenia: a rare adverse effect in a patient ­submitted to bone graft in the jaw

Thrombocytopenia is the reduction in the number of blood ­platelets, which may be caused by ­several different conditions such as sepsis, disseminated intravascular ­clotting, and large blood losses. Additionally, in rare situations, thrombocytopenia may also be induced by the use of medicaments. One of these drugs is the vancomycin, a glycopeptide presently used against ­serious infections involving Gram‐positive bacteria such as the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and penicillin‐resistant Streptococcus . Objective The objective of this study is to report on a case of serious vancomycin‐induced thrombocytopenia in a patient infected with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus after mandibular reconstruction with autogenous bone graft, and to draw attention to the importance of this clinically rare adverse effect. Conclusion Vancomycin‐induced thrombocytopenia is a rare condition, which is also a significant disorder that demands attention and the rapid identification and replacement of the antimicrobial agent.