Meropenem-induced Haematological Abnormalities in the Elderly: A Series of Three Cases

Abstract

Meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent given empirically for diseases caused by single or multiple susceptible bacteria in both adults and children with a wide range of serious infections. Several studies have reported an association between meropenem and haematological abnormalities such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and haemolytic anaemia. In this case series, the authors present three cases - one with meropenem-induced leukopenia and the other two with meropenem-induced thrombocytopenia. In the first case, leukopenia was observed on the third day of administration. The leukocyte count dropped to 3,500 cells/mcL but recovered upon discharge. In the other two cases, the platelet count dropped below 1.3 lac/cu.mm on the fourth day of administration but started to recover once the antibiotic was discontinued. This underscores the importance of being vigilant and conducting regular laboratory blood counts when administering antibiotics like meropenem to prevent life-threatening complications.

Keywords

• adverse drug reaction
• leukopenia
• thrombocytopenia