Flucloxacillin-induced aplastic anaemia and liver failure

Transpl Int. 2005 Apr;18(4):487-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2004.00014.x.

Abstract

Flucloxacillin is a commonly prescribed semisynthetic penicillinase-resistant penicillin primarily used for the treatment of cutaneous staphylococcal infections. It is well-recognized that flucloxacillin may occasionally result in fatal hepatic injury. We report the case of a 40-year-old woman who developed fulminant hepatic failure and aplastic anaemia following a course of oral flucloxacillin. At the time of transplantation the patient was severely neutropenic. Post-transplant, the patient received single donor leucocyte transfusions, which resulted in a dramatic increase in neutrophil count. The patient was discharged from hospital after 120 days with normal liver function and recovered bone marrow. In this report, we discuss the care of patients with aplastic anaemia in the peritransplant setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Aplastic / chemically induced*
  • Anemia, Aplastic / therapy
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Floxacillin / adverse effects*
  • Floxacillin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Leukocyte Transfusion
  • Liver Failure / chemically induced*
  • Liver Failure / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Neutrophils / pathology
  • Postoperative Care
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Floxacillin