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Fatal ampicillin-sulbactam anaphylaxis in a 34-year-old male

Marielle C Young1, Chantal Lemoine1, John J O Accarino1

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Global
|October 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A patient died from a severe allergic reaction to ampicillin-sulbactam, a common antibiotic used to treat bone infections. This case highlights the critical risk of drug-induced anaphylaxis, even with initial antibiotic doses.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection often requiring antibiotic treatment.
  • Ampicillin-sulbactam is a commonly prescribed antibiotic combination for bacterial infections.
  • Drug-induced anaphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction.

Observation:

  • A 34-year-old male patient was admitted for treatment of osteomyelitis.
  • The patient received his first dose of intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam.
  • The patient rapidly developed symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced fatal drug-induced anaphylaxis following the initial administration of ampicillin-sulbactam.
  • The event underscores the potential for severe allergic reactions to antibiotics, irrespective of prior exposure.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers must remain vigilant for anaphylaxis, even with first-time antibiotic use.
  • Prompt recognition and management of anaphylaxis are crucial for patient survival.
  • This case emphasizes the importance of antibiotic stewardship and allergy screening.
Keywords:
Drug anaphylaxisaminopenicillinanaphylaxispenicillin allergyskin test

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