Cefazolin-induced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia following trauma: a case report

Cefazolin, a first generation cephalosporin, is a rare cause of cyclical fevers, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia following surgical prophylaxis. We present the case of an otherwise healthy 21-year-old male who sustained a 50-cm laceration to his chest and abdomen. He received emergency department prophylaxis with cefazolin and surgical repair. Subsequently, he developed cyclical fevers, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, all of which resolved after antibiotic discontinuation. This is the first case report in which the perioperative administration of cefazolin following trauma resulted in significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Also discussed in this report are the etiology, workup, and treatment of cefazolin-induced neutropenia.