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A case of severe cefepime-related neutropenia in a 15-year-old patient

Lisa Malincarne1, Daniela Francisci, Laura Martinelli

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Perugia, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, Perugia, Italy. lisa.malincarne@unipg.it

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Severe neutropenia is a rare but serious side effect of cefepime treatment. Clinicians should monitor patients for this condition, particularly during prolonged cefepime therapy for osteoarticular infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Osteoarticular infections require effective antibiotic treatment.
  • Cefepime is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections.
  • Prolonged antibiotic courses are sometimes necessary for complex infections.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old male presented with a post-surgical osteoarticular infection.
  • The patient received 24 days of treatment with cefepime.
  • Severe neutropenia developed during the course of cefepime therapy.

Findings:

  • Cefepime treatment was associated with the development of severe neutropenia.
  • This adverse event occurred after a prolonged treatment duration of 24 days.
  • The patient's neutropenia was likely a drug-induced side effect.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must consider severe neutropenia as a potential adverse effect of cefepime.
  • Careful monitoring of neutrophil counts is crucial in patients receiving long-term cefepime.
  • Early recognition and management of drug-induced neutropenia can prevent serious complications.

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