Case report details a fatal hemolytic reaction from ceftriaxone in a child with sickle cell disease, highlighting the risk of adverse effects.
Ceftriaxone-induced hemolytic anemia (CIHA) is a rare, severe adverse reaction that is characterized by hemolysis following administration of ceftriaxone. We present a case of a 10-year-old boy with sickle cell disease who had a catastrophic, fatal hemolytic reaction after receiving ceftriaxone for treatment of acute chest syndrome. The diagnosis of CIHA was confirmed by blood bank testing when the patient’s serum demonstrated reactivity in the presence of ceftriaxone. This case highlights the rare but serious adverse effects of ceftriaxone and the importance of their early recognition. Close collaboration with transfusion medicine is key to assisting with necessary testing and diagnosis.
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Schad et al. (2025) studied this question.
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