Related Experiment Videos
Cephapirin-induced neutropenia
C Vidal Pan1, A González Quintela, J Román García
1Services of Allergy, Clinica Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Five cases (3.5%) of reversible cephapirin-induced neutropenia were observed in 132 patients receiving this antibiotic. The disorder was severe (agranulocytosis) in 3 cases. Simultaneous maculopapular rash was observed in all of them and in 4 cases fever occurred. All the cases observed were female (p not significant). Neutropenia developed only after administration of high doses of the antibiotic for a prolonged period of time. In contrast to another 127 patients treated with cephapirin who did not develop neutropenia, neutropenic patients had received a mean daily dose, total dose, mean daily dose per kilogram and total dose per kilogram of body weight significantly larger (p = 0.05, 0.02, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). The duration of therapy was significantly longer in the neutropenic group (p = 0.001). Neutropenia did not occur below 90 g of total dose, but when this amount was exceeded, the incidence of the disorder reached 26.3% (p less than 0.001). We conclude that when this drug must be used either for long periods of time or at high doses, a hematologic vigilance is recommendable.
Insights
High doses or prolonged use of cephapirin can cause reversible neutropenia, a serious blood disorder. Hematologic monitoring is recommended during extended cephapirin therapy to prevent adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Cephapirin is an antibiotic used in clinical settings.
- Neutropenia is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of neutrophils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of cephapirin-induced neutropenia.
- To identify risk factors associated with the development of neutropenia during cephapirin treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 132 patients treated with cephapirin.
- Comparison of demographic and treatment data between patients who developed neutropenia and those who did not.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant risk factors.
Main Results:
- Five cases (3.5%) of reversible neutropenia, including 3 cases of agranulocytosis, were observed.
- Neutropenia was associated with higher daily and total doses, and longer duration of cephapirin therapy (p < 0.05).
- The incidence of neutropenia exceeded 26.3% when the total dose surpassed 90g (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Cephapirin can induce reversible neutropenia, particularly with high doses and prolonged administration.
- Hematologic monitoring is advisable for patients receiving long-term or high-dose cephapirin therapy.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing antibiotic-induced hematologic disorders.