Eosinophilic pneumonia induced by ceftaroline

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• A patient with a history of respiratory conditions was hospitalized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia.
• Initial antibiotic treatment with vancomycin and meropenem, followed by linezolid, was ineffective.

Observation:

• The patient was switched to intravenous ceftaroline, a cephalosporin antibiotic effective against MRSA.
• Within five days of ceftaroline treatment, the patient experienced respiratory distress and significant peripheral eosinophilia (40%).
• Bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed pulmonary eosinophilia (13%), and imaging ruled out pulmonary embolism.

Findings:

• Ceftaroline administration was associated with the development of drug-induced eosinophilic pneumonia.
• Discontinuation of ceftaroline and initiation of intravenous methylprednisolone led to the resolution of eosinophilia and clinical improvement.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential adverse reaction to ceftaroline, specifically eosinophilic pneumonia.
• Clinicians should consider ceftaroline-induced lung injury in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and eosinophilia during treatment.
• Prompt recognition and management, including drug cessation and corticosteroid therapy, are crucial for favorable outcomes.