What is known and objective: We present two cases of severe coagulation disorders induced by latamoxef, thereby revealing risk factors of coagulation disorder in latamoxef-treated patients.
Case summary: Two very elderly patients developed haemorrhage, and coagulation tests showed a longer prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and a high international normalized ratio (INR). Latamoxef was thought to be responsible for the coagulopathy in these patients, and coagulation disorder was relieved after vitamin-K intake.
What is new and conclusion: We report on two cases of coagulopathy in patients given latamoxef. Advanced age, deficiency in vitamin-K intake, poor nutritional status, abnormal coagulation history, ongoing anti-coagulation/anti-aggregation therapy, renal dysfunction and polypharmacy are possible contributory factors, and should be looked out for when prescribing latamoxef.
Keywords: coagulation disorder; coagulopathy; elderly; haemorrhage; latamoxef.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.