Severe immune-mediated hemolytic anemia secondary to treatment with cefotetan.

Severe acute hemolytic anemia developed in a woman following treatment with multiple antibiotics for possible postpartum uterine infection. On admission, the hemoglobin was 5 g per dL (50 g/L), the reticulocytes were 35 percent (0.350), the direct antiglobulin test was strongly positive for IgG and C3d (mixed fields), and the indirect antiglobulin test was negative. Serologic studies revealed antibody to cefotetan that reacted by both the immune complex and the drug adsorption mechanisms. Before the diagnosis of cefotetan-related immune hemolysis was made, all medications had been discontinued, and the patient received 4 units of red cells and a short course of adrenocorticosteroids. Recovery was prompt and complete.