Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Ceftazidime-induced thrombocytopenia
E Domingo-Chiva1, M Díaz-Rangel1, J Á Monsalve-Naharro2
1Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria, Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Albacete, Albacete, España.
Abstract:
Ceftazidime is an antibiotic belonging to the group of third generation cephalosporins, frequently used in clinical practice for its broad antibacterial spectrum. A case report is presented on a 78-year-old man who entered the intensive care unit due to respiratory failure secondary to nosocomial pneumonia in the postoperative period of a laparoscopic hepatic bisegmentectomy for a hepatocarcinoma. It required invasive mechanical ventilation and was treated with ceftazidime, developing a progressive decrease in platelet count after the onset of this drug and after re-exposure to it, not coinciding with the introduction of other drugs. The adverse reaction was reported to the Spanish pharmacosurveillance system and according to the Naranjo algorithm the causal relationship was probable. Since no case of ceftazidime-induced thrombocytopenia was found in the literature, we consider knowledge of it relevant as an adverse effect to be taken into account given its potential severity, especially when it cannot be explained by other causes.
Insights
This case report details a probable link between ceftazidime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, and a significant decrease in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) in a patient. This adverse drug reaction highlights a potential risk associated with ceftazidime use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Ceftazidime is a widely used third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity.
- Nosocomial pneumonia is a common complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation post-surgery.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old male patient developed respiratory failure post-laparoscopic hepatic bisegmentectomy for hepatocarcinoma.
- The patient required mechanical ventilation and was treated with ceftazidime, subsequently exhibiting a progressive decrease in platelet count.
- Thrombocytopenia occurred upon initial ceftazidime administration and upon re-exposure, with no concurrent introduction of other potential causative agents.
Findings:
- The Naranjo algorithm indicated a probable causal relationship between ceftazidime and the observed thrombocytopenia.
- No prior literature documented ceftazidime-induced thrombocytopenia, suggesting this is a novel adverse effect.
Implications:
- This case highlights ceftazidime-induced thrombocytopenia as a potentially severe adverse drug reaction.
- Clinicians should consider ceftazidime as a possible cause of thrombocytopenia, especially when other causes are ruled out.
- Increased awareness and reporting of this adverse effect are crucial for patient safety and pharmacovigilance.
