Acute antibiotically induced neutropenia: A systematic review of case reports.

Abstract

AIMS:

Acute neutropenia induced by antibiotics is a rare side effect of this frequently prescribed class of drugs. We aim to find similarities and differences between reported cases.

METHODS:

Through a database search (PubMed, 1968-2020), we identified published case reports and extracted, among other data, patient demographics, duration of treatment with the respective agent, and duration of recovery.

RESULTS:

Overall, 83 cases were included. Neutropenia developed after a median (min-max) of 21 (17.5-28.5) days of treatment and was resolved after a median (min-max) of 6 (3.0-8.75) days. Vancomycin and ceftaroline emerged as the two most commonly described antibiotics. In 51.8% of cases, the suspected antibiotic was discontinued; in 37.4% of cases, it was substituted by another agent. Only three case reports mentioned death as a result of neutropenia. The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating growth factors (CSFs) shortened the duration of neutropenia and improved outcome for patients' health.

CONCLUSION:

Neutropenia induced by antibiotics remains a rare or rarely reported side effect. Long-term and high-dose treatment regimens expose a higher risk of development. Thus, regular full blood counts are advised during therapy.

• Authors: Julian M Holz, Alon V Chevtchenko, Aleksandra Aitullina
• Journal: British journal of clinical pharmacology (Br J Clin Pharmacol) Vol. 88 Issue 5 Pg. 1978-1984 (05 2022) ISSN: 1365-2125 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 34897762 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)
• Copyright: © 2021 British Pharmacological Society.

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (adverse effects)
• Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
• Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Neutropenia (chemically induced)