Parker Waichman LLP

Ceftriaxone Linked to Renal Failure in Children

The antibiotic ceftriaxone, at any dose, is linked to renal stones and pediatric acute renal failure (PARF), according to a study published online on March 24 in the journal Pediatrics. “Ceftriaxone therapy in children may cause PARF,” the authors note. “Early diagnosis and prompt pharmacological therapy are important in relieving the condition. Retrograde ureteral catheterization […]

The antibiotic ceftriaxone, at any dose, is linked to renal stones and pediatric acute renal failure (PARF), according to a study published online on March 24 in the journal Pediatrics.

“Ceftriaxone therapy in children may cause PARF,” the authors note. “Early diagnosis and prompt pharmacological therapy are important in relieving the condition. Retrograde ureteral catheterization is an effective treatment for those who fail to respond to pharmacotherapy,” Medscape reports.

Ceftriaxone, commonly used to treat childhood infections, has been linked to biliary pseudolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, and bladder sludge, according to the article. Medscape reports that formation of urine crystals that cling to renal tubular cells was observed during ceftriaxone treatment, with the potential for acute renal failure. Few studies have reported on ceftriaxone-associated PARF.

The researchers looked at 31 cases of PARF after treatment with ceftriaxone from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2012, at Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. Children with no previous history of urinary stones or kidney disease were included. Ceftriaxone treatment was verified from nine patient records and by parent report in 22 children. PARF diagnosis was based on symptoms (sudden onset anuria, flank or renal percussion pain) and laboratory tests (serum creatinine and/or urea nitrogen). Drug treatment included spasmolysis (relaxation of spasms) with anisodamine, alkalization with sodium bicarbonate, antibiotics, albumen, and low-dose dexamethasone.

The mean age of the children was 5.1 years and they had been receiving ceftriaxone, on average, 5.2 days before PARF onset. Predominant symptoms included sudden-onset anuria (absence of urination) for at least 24 hours (31/31), flank pain (>3 years, 25/25), excessive crying (<3 years, 6/6), and/or vomiting (19/31). Ultrasounds showed mild hydronephrosis (buildup of urine in the kidney) in 25 of 31 children and ureteric calculi (urinary stones) in 11 of 31. After one to four days of treatment, nine children recovered. Twenty-one children received retrograde ureteral catheterization, which restored normal urine flow in 20. One child needed three sessions of hemodialysis to restore urination. In stones recovered from four children, analysis revealed the main component to be ceftriaxone. Mean treatment duration was 1.8 days, with a mean anuria period of 3.1 days. Ultimately, all children recovered, Medscape reports.

Dr. Keefe Davis, a pediatric nephrologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the study may not be generalizable to the U.S. because the Chinese herbal medicine used in the study is not available here, according to Medscape.  But Dr. Davis noted that the study brings to light a cause of anuric acute kidney failure.

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I had a wonderful experience dealing with Parker Waichman LLP. Michelle Josama carefully took me through the process and handle my case with speed and Accuracy. Thank you for a everything.
mark mitchell
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism Benita Rollis was very professional and kind while helping us through the entire process of our case. I would definitely recommend Parker Waichman and Ms. Rollis.
Jennifer Young
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
robert francis
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038