Work

Piperacillin/tazobactam induced immune-mediated anaemia and thrombocytopenia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Piperacillin/tazobactam (PTZ) is known to cause cytopenia but case reports on PTZ causing combined haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia are scarce. We report on a 56-year-old male who developed severe, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and anaemia during two treatment episodes with PTZ. After the first exposure, his blood count rapidly returned to normal after discontinuation of PTZ. One year later, in the context of an unintentional re-challenge with PTZ, the level of red blood cells and platelets dropped again causing acute haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenia. Recovery was delayed after discontinuation of PTZ. PTZ should be considered as a potential cause of immune-mediated bicytopenia. LEARNING POINTS: Piperacillin/tazobactam can induce immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia.Patients with underlying alteration of the immune system might be at higher risk for bicytopenia.

Source: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.12890/2025_005460

Authors: Agnes-Sophie Fritz, Marten Trendelenburg, Markus Mutke

Institutions: University of Basel, University Hospital of Basel

Language: English

Topic: Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $323