title: Meropenem-Induced Neutropenia in a Neonate.
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 forEnterobacter cloacaeand 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/mm3. 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Joseph S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Van Tuyl
authors.affiliation: Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Aubrey N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
authors.forename: Peter N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Johnson
keywords: adverse effect; carbapenem; child; meropenem; neonate; neutropenia; pediatric