Ceftriaxone-induced hemolytic anemia: A life-threatening complication
Main Article Content
Abstract
Drug induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is a rare complication and often underdiagnosed. However, DIIHA may lead to organ failure and can be fatal. Nowadays, ceftriaxone has been reported as one of the most common drugs causing DIIHA. We describe a 19-month-male diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with intravenous ceftriaxone twice daily at the local hospital. After 5 days of treatment, he suddenly developed tachycardia, became pale and had dark red urine so he was treated according to the protocol of anaphylaxis and transferred to the National Children’s Hospital. He was diagnosed with ceftriaxone-induced immune hemolytic anemia. After discontinuation of ceftriaxone and receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, his symptoms improved quickly. Ceftriaxone-induced immune hemolytic anemia is a rare but may cause immediately life-threatening condition. Treating physicians need to be aware for this complication to diagnose early and treat accordingly. An immediate withdrawal of the causative drug is essential to treat this condition.
Article Details
Keywords
Hemolysis, drug-induced hemolytic anemia, ceftriaxone, children
References
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