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

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.