Acute antibiotically induced neutropenia: A systematic review of case reports
Julian M Holz1, Alon V Chevtchenko1, Aleksandra Aitullina2
1Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.
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.
Insights
Antibiotic-induced neutropenia is a rare but serious side effect. Early detection and intervention, such as using growth factors, can improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Antibiotics are frequently prescribed, but can cause rare side effects like acute neutropenia.
- This study analyzes reported cases to understand the characteristics of antibiotic-induced neutropenia.
Observation:
- A review of 83 cases revealed neutropenia onset after a median of 21 days of antibiotic treatment.
- Vancomycin and ceftaroline were the most frequently implicated antibiotics.
- Neutropenia resolved in a median of 6 days, with discontinuation or substitution of the antibiotic.
Findings:
- Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) were found to shorten neutropenia duration and improve patient outcomes.
- Discontinuation or substitution of the antibiotic occurred in over 89% of cases.
- Death was rarely reported as a consequence of antibiotic-induced neutropenia.
Implications:
- Regular blood count monitoring is recommended during antibiotic therapy, especially for long-term or high-dose regimens.
- Understanding the risk factors and management strategies for antibiotic-induced neutropenia is crucial for clinicians.
- Further research into the mechanisms and prevention of this rare side effect is warranted.
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