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.