Cefoperazone/Sulbactam-Induced Abdominal Wall Hematoma and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

An 87-year-old woman developed abdominal wall hematoma and upper gastrointestinal bleeding during treatment with cefoperazone/sulbactam for pneumonia. The woman received cefoperazone/sulbactam at 4.5 g twice daily for intravenous infusion. After 7 days, she developed sudden onset of left lower abdominal pain, associated with subcutaneous mass, and vomited a coffee-colored liquid. Investigations revealed a coagulation index abnormality and activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time increased obviously. She was diagnosed with cefoperazone-induced hemorrhage. Cefoperazone/sulbactam was discontinued and the patient received vitamin K1. The blood coagulation function improved and hematoma disappeared after 3 days. A Naranjo assessment score of 6 was obtained, indicating a probable relationship between the patient’s coagulation function disorder and her use of the suspect drug.