Methicillin-induced neutropenia.
During a 14-month period 68 patients were treated with methicillin for presumed or proved staphylococcal infection. Neutropenia, defined as a total neutrophil count less than 1500/cu mm3, developed in 23 patients (35%). Eosinophilia (eosinophil count more than 700/mm3) developed in 27 patients (40%), including 11 of the neutropenic patients. The epinephrine stimulation test in five patients resulted in a mean increase of 70% in the number of circulating neutrophils while the hydrocortisone stimulation test led to a mean increase of 800 neutrophils/mm3. Bone marrow examination in six patients showed maturation delay of the myeloid series. Neutropenia resolved within 3 to 7 days of discontinuation of methicillin therapy in all patients.
D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008712:Methicillin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D013997:Time Factors
D008712:Methicillin; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D004837:Epinephrine