Ertapenem-Induced Thrombocytosis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hematology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Ertapenem is a carbapenem antibiotic known for its broad antimicrobial spectrum.
• Hematological adverse events associated with ertapenem are generally infrequent.
• Thrombocytosis, neutropenia, and neutropenia are among the rare hematological side effects.

Observation:

• A rare case of drug-induced thrombocytosis was observed in a 68-year-old female patient.
• The patient was undergoing treatment with ertapenem for a complicated abdominal infection.

Findings:

• The patient developed thrombocytosis during ertapenem therapy.
• This suggests a potential causal link between ertapenem and the observed thrombocytosis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of a thorough patient history, including medication review, when assessing thrombocytosis.
• Clinicians should consider drug-induced causes, such as ertapenem, for unexplained thrombocytosis.
• Further investigation into rare adverse drug reactions is warranted.