Intravascular haemolysis in a patient on ceftriaxone with demonstration of anticeftriaxone antibodies.
Drug-induced haemolytic anaemia can be life threatening. We report a case of ceftriaxone-induced severe haemolytic anaemia in a previously healthy 68-year-old woman. The patient had a positive direct antiglobulin test (anti-C3d positive, anti-immunoglobulin G negative). Serological tests showed ceftriaxone-specific antibodies. The patient recovered after cessation of the drug. This complication may cause milder anaemia and thus be poorly recognized.
Dinesh
D
D
New Zealand Blood Service, Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand. dorothy.dinesh@nzblood.co.nz
Dugan
N
N
Carter
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000906:Antibodies; D002443:Ceftriaxone