Hematologic Complications Arising during Ristocetin Therapy

RISTOCETIN¶ is a new antimicrobial agent, a lyophilized preparation representing two antibiotics, ristocetin A and ristocetin B. These components have been isolated from the fermentation broth of the actinomycete species Nocardia lurida.1 In vitro and animal studies indicated marked bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria and mycobacteria. Advantages ascribed to ristocetin include low toxicity, lack of development of resistant organisms and an absence of crossresistance with other antibiotics.2 , 3 In a preliminary clinical study Romansky et al.3 demonstrated the efficacy of the drug in 16 cases. Local phlebitis was the only complication, but the dose was generally lower than the doses . . .