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Trimethoprim-induced aseptic meningitis in an adolescent male

Richard C Redman1, John Bernard Miller, Margaret Hood

  • 1University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98125, USA. rredman@u.washington.edu

Pediatrics
|August 8, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Trimethoprim can rarely cause drug-induced aseptic meningitis. This case highlights a pediatric patient experiencing meningitis symptoms after trimethoprim use, emphasizing the need for awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a rare adverse drug reaction.
  • Trimethoprim is an antibiotic commonly used for various infections.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy adolescent male presented with recurrent headaches, photophobia, and meningismus.
  • Symptoms recurred after the patient serially started and stopped trimethoprim medication.

Findings:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated white blood cell counts with a polymorphonuclear predominance.
  • This presentation is consistent with aseptic meningitis.

Implications:

  • This case adds to the rare documentation of trimethoprim-induced aseptic meningitis.
  • Clinicians should consider trimethoprim as a potential cause of aseptic meningitis in pediatric patients presenting with relevant symptoms.

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