Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41504966›Full record

SynthesisInfection2026

Linezolid versus clindamycin for toxin inhibition in severe skin and soft tissue infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ashton Stropes, Caleb Lautenschlager, Andrew Smith, Taylor D Steuber, Morgan Sperry

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Infection, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Ashton StropesDrug Information Center, Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
Caleb LautenschlagerDrug Information Center, Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
Andrew SmithDivision of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
Taylor D SteuberDivision of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 809 Lewis Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
Morgan SperryDrug Information Center, Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA. sperrym@umkc.edu.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeNecrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are life-threatening infections often caused by toxin-producing bacteria. Clindamycin has historically been favoured for its toxin-inhibiting properties but increasing resistance and adverse effects have prompted interest in alternatives. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of linezolid versus clindamycin plus anti-gram-positive therapy in patients with severe or necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

methodsA systematic literature search through December 12, 2024, was conducted across eight databases and clinical trial registries. Studies comparing linezolid-containing regimens to clindamycin plus anti-gram-positive therapy in patients with severe SSTIs were included. Outcomes of interest included ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, mortality, ventilator days, vasopressor days, antimicrobial duration, and adverse effects. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for ICU LOS and hospital LOS.

resultsOf 310 articles screened, four retrospective studies met inclusion criteria. Moderate to significant risk of bias was present. No significant differences were observed in ICU LOS (mean difference [MD]: -0.001 days; 95% CI: -1.110 to 1.107; p = 0.998; I

conclusionsNo significant difference in ICU and hospital length of stay were noted between linezolid and clindamycin-based regimens. Lower rates of AKI were reported with linezolid. However, given the study design and potential risk of bias these results should be interpreted with caution.

Indexed as

Anti-Bacterial AgentsClindamycinLinezolidSoft Tissue InfectionsHumansLength of StayAnti-Bacterial AgentsClindamycinLinezolidAcute kidney injuryClindamycinICU length of stayLinezolidNecrotising soft tissue infectionVancomycin

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.