Case Report: rapid exacerbation of autoimmune hemolysis and severe immune - mediated thrombocytopenia induced by piperacillin – tazobactam - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: rapid exacerbation of autoimmune hemolysis and severe immune - mediated thrombocytopenia induced by piperacillin – tazobactam

  • By

  • Juan Liu

  • Zhongliang Shi

  • He Zhang

  • Mingfang Qian

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Rapid Onset of Autoimmune Hemolysis and Severe Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia Triggered by Piperacillin-Tazobactam

Overview

This report details a case of an 83-year-old female patient who developed drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia following treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam. Prompt recognition and management led to her full recovery.

Background

Piperacillin-tazobactam is widely used for its broad antimicrobial activity, but it can induce rare but serious adverse reactions such as drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) and drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP). Understanding these conditions is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, as they can lead to significant morbidity if not recognized early.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • An 83-year-old female developed DIIHA and DITP after four days of piperacillin-tazobactam treatment.
  • Elevated bilirubin levels and severe anemia were noted, alongside a significantly high concentration of piperacillin-tazobactam in her blood.
  • Piperacillin-tazobactam-dependent antibodies were detected in the patient's serum.
  • Management included discontinuation of the drug, blood transfusions, IVIG, and corticosteroids.
  • The patient made a full recovery and was discharged after appropriate treatment.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for DIIHA and DITP when prescribing piperacillin-tazobactam, especially in elderly patients. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending drug are critical for effective management.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of monitoring for rare but serious adverse reactions to piperacillin-tazobactam, highlighting the need for awareness and preparedness among healthcare providers.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Intensive Care Medicine, 2022 -- Addressing Study Design Issues and Proposing Further Analysis of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Piperacillin/Tazobactam Treatment in Sepsis Patients: Author's Response
  2. Infection, 2019 -- Guided Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Continuous Piperacillin/Tazobactam Infusion Enhances Pharmacokinetic Target Achievement in Critically Ill Patients: A Four-Year Retrospective Study
  3. Intensive Care Medicine, 2022 -- Response to Commentary on the TARGET Trial Findings
  4. Intensive Care Medicine, 2021 -- Impact of Dose Adjustment Guided by Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Piperacillin/Tazobactam on Organ Dysfunction in Sepsis Patients: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
  5. Piperacillin/Tazobactam Induced Immune-Mediated Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia - PMC, 2025
  6. Management of autoimmune hemolytic anemia - PubMed, 2023
  7. Piperacillin/Tazobactam Induced Immune-Mediated Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia - PMC
  8. Management of autoimmune hemolytic anemia - PubMed

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