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

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Piperacillin-tazobactam can induce drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) and drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP), which are rare but serious conditions.
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An 83-year-old female patient developed DIIHA and DITP after four days of treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam for pneumonia.
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The patient's symptoms included jaundice, elevated bilirubin levels, severe hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia, confirmed by laboratory tests.
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Prompt recognition and management of the conditions involved discontinuation of piperacillin-tazobactam, blood transfusions, and corticosteroid therapy.
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The case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of the potential for DIIHA and DITP when prescribing piperacillin-tazobactam.

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