Fatal hemolysis induced by ceftriaxone in a child with sickle cell anemia

J Pediatr. 1995 May;126(5 Pt 1):813-5. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(95)70417-5.

Abstract

A 2-year-old boy with sickle cell anemia had a massive, fatal hemolytic reaction after administration of an intravenous dose of ceftriaxone. Laboratory studies demonstrated the presence of an IgM antibody against ceftriaxone, binding to and destroying the patient's erythrocytes by an immune complex mechanism. This rare complication should be considered in the differential diagnosis when hemoglobinuria develops in a child after administration of ceftriaxone or a similar agent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / blood
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / chemically induced*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / immunology
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / drug therapy*
  • Ceftriaxone / adverse effects*
  • Ceftriaxone / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hemoglobinuria / blood
  • Hemoglobinuria / chemically induced*
  • Hemolysis
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Male

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Ceftriaxone