OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the efficacy and safety of telavancin and vancomycin in the treatment of infections due to methicillin-resistant <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic> (MRSA). METHODS We performed a systematic literature search using Pubmed, Embase, VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database, and Wanfang Database resulting in the inclusion of seven publications in this study. Outcomes were calculated using pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was also assessed. RESULTS Seven studies comparing telavancin with vancomycin in the treatment of MRSA-caused infections were included in the analysis. There was a higher treatment success rate (reported as clinical evaluation, 1,420 patients, RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.10) in telavancin compared to vancomycin. However, there was also a significant difference in serious adverse events reported (3,622 patients, RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.11 - 1.50) when comparing telavancin with vancomycin. The results also showed increased creatinine level (3,185 patients, RR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.72 - 2.64) in telavancin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Telavancin is a reliable alternative to vancomycin in the treatment of MRSA-confirmed infections despite the incidence of serious adverse events. The potential for telavancin-induced serious adverse events and nephrotoxicity should be taken into consideration before treatment.
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