Serum sickness-like reaction associated with cefazolin

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine
• Adverse Drug Reactions

Background:

• Serum sickness-like reactions (SSLRs) are uncommon adverse events associated with various medications.
• Cefazolin, a first-generation cephalosporin, is widely used and generally considered safe.
• Previously, no SSLRs have been linked to cefazolin administration.

Observation:

• A 23-year-old male developed fever, arthralgia, and a rash 10 days post-discharge after a single dose of intravenous cefazolin.
• The patient had undergone a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.
• Clinical presentation was consistent with a serum sickness-like reaction, with no signs of systemic vasculitis.

Findings:

• The patient's symptoms resolved completely following treatment with corticosteroids and antihistamines.
• The Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable link between cefazolin and the adverse event.
• This case represents a probable serum sickness-like reaction following cefazolin therapy.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential association between cefazolin and serum sickness-like reactions.
• Clinicians should consider cefazolin as a possible cause of SSLRs in patients presenting with characteristic symptoms.
• Further pharmacovigilance may be warranted to confirm this association.