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Published on: August 30, 2018
Piperacillin-Tazobactam Induced Interstitial Nephritis, Hepatitis and Serum Sckness-Like Illness
Objective:
To describe a patient who developed acute interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and serum sickness-like syndrome after receiving piperacillin-tazobactam (zosyn) therapy.
Case Summary:
A 30-year-old woman received a 7-day course of piperacillin-tazobactam as empiric treatment for pneumonia. The patient's kidney function worsened and she turned anuric needing dialysis. She also developed fever and a rash. Laboratory analysis showed elevated liver function and leukocytosis. Kidney biopsy showed acute interstitial nephritis. The patient responded well to steroids; white blood cell count normalized and her liver and kidney function improved over a period of one month.
Discussion:
Piperacillin-tazobactam is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the hospital setting. It has rarely been associated with acute interstitial nephritis, hepatic injury, or serum sickness-like reactions. Steroids have improved the outcome in most of the cases of interstitial nephritis.
Conclusion:
Clinicians should be aware of piperacillin-tazobactam as a drug capable of causing interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and serum sickness-like syndrome. It is essential that we monitor for these rare but severe complications.
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