Severe ceftriaxone-induced hemolysis complicated by diffuse cerebral ischemia in a child with sickle cell disease

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2009 Nov;31(11):870-2. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181b7eda2.

Abstract

Ceftriaxone-induced hemolytic anemia is a rare and often fatal phenomenon. We report here the case of a 6-year-old female with sickle cell disease who survived a brisk and profound hemolytic reaction, resulting in hemoglobin of 0.4 g/dL, after ceftriaxone infusion. Ongoing hemolysis was abrogated with aggressive supportive care, but the patient suffered extensive neurologic sequelae as a result of the event. Serologic testing confirmed the presence of ceftriaxone antibodies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic / blood
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / chemically induced*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / immunology
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / therapy
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / blood
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / drug therapy*
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / immunology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / immunology
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Brain Ischemia / blood
  • Brain Ischemia / chemically induced*
  • Brain Ischemia / immunology
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy
  • Ceftriaxone / administration & dosage
  • Ceftriaxone / adverse effects*
  • Ceftriaxone / immunology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hemolysis / drug effects*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antibodies
  • Ceftriaxone