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Reversible severe neutropenia after ceftriaxone
T Tantawichien1, K Tungsanga, D Swasdikul
1Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Severe neutropenia, a dangerous drop in white blood cells, occurred in a patient receiving intravenous ceftriaxone for a urinary tract infection. Blood cell counts normalized after discontinuing the antibiotic.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections.
- Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic frequently used for UTIs.
- Neutropenia is a potential adverse effect of various medications.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman presented with an upper urinary tract infection.
- Treatment involved intravenous administration of ceftriaxone at 1 gram daily for 18 days.
- The patient developed severe neutropenia during the course of antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- Ceftriaxone therapy was identified as the likely cause of severe neutropenia.
- Discontinuation of ceftriaxone led to the resolution of neutropenia.
- Hematological parameters, specifically granulopoiesis, returned to normal levels post-cessation of the drug.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of monitoring blood counts during prolonged ceftriaxone treatment.
- Clinicians should consider drug-induced neutropenia in patients on ceftriaxone presenting with unexplained low white blood cell counts.
- Awareness of this adverse effect is crucial for patient safety in infectious disease management.