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Ampicillin-Sulbactam-Induced Liver Injury in a Pediatric Patient
1Department of Pharmacy (CF, KN), Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL.
Abstract:
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare adverse drug reaction (ADR) in pediatric patients and limited reports exist examining ampicillin-sulbactam-induced liver injury. This report summarizes a 12-year-old male who received ampicillin-sulbactam and subsequently developed liver injury characterized by elevated serum aminotransferases and bilirubin. Ampicillin-sulbactam was subsequently discontinued and the patient's liver function tests (LFTs) rapidly improved. This report describes the rare adverse reaction of ampicillin-sulbactam-induced liver injury.
Insights
Ampicillin-sulbactam can cause rare drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in children. Prompt discontinuation of this antibiotic led to rapid improvement in liver function tests (LFTs) in a pediatric patient.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an uncommon adverse drug reaction (ADR) in pediatric populations.
- Limited case reports document ampicillin-sulbactam-associated liver injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of ampicillin-sulbactam-induced liver injury in a pediatric patient.
- To highlight the clinical presentation and management of this specific ADR.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 12-year-old male patient who developed liver injury after ampicillin-sulbactam administration.
- Clinical monitoring of liver function tests (LFTs), including serum aminotransferases and bilirubin.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited elevated serum aminotransferases and bilirubin, indicative of liver injury.
- Discontinuation of ampicillin-sulbactam resulted in a rapid normalization of LFTs.
Conclusions:
- Ampicillin-sulbactam can be a cause of DILI in pediatric patients.
- Early recognition and withdrawal of the offending agent are crucial for recovery from ampicillin-sulbactam-induced liver injury.

