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Oxacillin induced neutropenia. A case report
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|September 1, 1978
Summary
Oxacillin can cause neutropenia, a low white blood cell count, in adolescents. This side effect is reversible when the antibiotic treatment for bone infections is stopped.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Beta-lactam antibiotics, including oxacillin, are commonly used for bacterial infections.
- Drug-induced neutropenia is a potential adverse effect of certain medications.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male developed neutropenia during treatment for osteomyelitis.
- The neutropenia occurred after 20 days of intravenous oxacillin administration (200 mg/kg/day).
- The patient was asymptomatic, and the neutropenia resolved rapidly upon discontinuation of oxacillin.
Findings:
- Oxacillin can induce a significant decrease in neutrophil count.
- The neutropenia appears to be a direct toxic effect on bone marrow white cell precursors.
- This adverse reaction is potentially associated with other beta-lactam antibiotics.
Implications:
- Clinicians should monitor white blood cell counts in patients receiving prolonged oxacillin therapy.
- Awareness of oxacillin-induced neutropenia is crucial for pediatricians and infectious disease specialists.
- Understanding the mechanism of drug-induced neutropenia aids in managing antibiotic-related side effects.