Meropenem-induced neutropenia in a neonate

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Abstract

Postmarketing surveillance has associated meropenem with the development of hematologic abnormalities, including agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and leukopenia, but the exact incidence in children is unknown. The case describes a full-term, 26-day-old neonate admitted for a sepsis workup. She was found to have a blood culture positive for Enterobacter cloacae and suspected meningitis and was initiated on meropenem 40 mg/kg/dose intravenously every 8 hours. On day 14 of antibiotic treatment, the patient developed an isolated neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count of 288 cells/mm 3 . Meropenem was discontinued on hospital day 20, and a follow-up complete blood cell count 2 months later confirmed resolution of the hematologic abnormality. Clinicians should monitor complete blood cell counts diligently in children who receive large doses and prolonged courses of meropenem.

First Page

353

Last Page

357

DOI

10.5863/1551-6776-21.4.353

Publication Date

7-1-2016

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