Fever and Reversible Laboratory Abnormalities Associated with Prolonged Use of Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Children

Abstract

Piperacillin-tazobactam is used frequently in pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis and other intra-abdominal infections. We report 10 pediatric patients who developed a piperacillin-tazobactam-associated adverse reaction characterized by fever, rash, hematologic abnormalities and transaminitis. Physicians should be aware of this entity in patients treated with a prolonged course of piperacillin-tazobactam. Prompt identification can obviate unnecessary diagnostic testing and treatment.