Drug-induced immune haemolytic anaemia caused by levofloxacin

Sukhal S, Gupta S
Correspondence: Dr Shashvat Sukhal, ssukhal@cookcountyhhs.org

ABSTRACT
Drug-induced immune haemolytic anaemia (DIIHA) is extremely rare. We herein report a case of life-threatening DIIHA due to levofloxacin. This is the second case reported in the literature. A 51-year-old woman presented with complaints of fatigue after 4–5 days of levofloxacin therapy for a lung infection. At presentation, she was found to have haemolysis with a positive Coombs test and IgG autoantibodies. Levofloxacin was identified as the probable culprit, using the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale. Upon discontinuation of the drug and initiation of steroids, the patient’s haematological parameters stabilised. Diagnosis of DIIHA is made through a history of intake of levofloxacin, clinical and laboratory features of haemolysis and a positive Coombs test. An autoantibody screen is most commonly positive for warm antibodies (IgG type). It is essential for clinicians to recognise this rare complication caused by a commonly prescribed medication, discontinue the offending drug and initiate treatment.

Keywords: drug-induced immune haemolytic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, levofloxacin
Singapore Med J 2014; 55(8): e136-e138; http://dx.doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2014111

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