Vancomycin Re-Exposure-Induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia
Abstract
Vancomycin-induced immune hemolytic anemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction that is often underrecognized. We report a case of a 76-year-old male who developed an infection following hip arthroplasty and received vancomycin for the first time in September 2025, resulting in a decrease in hemoglobin from 14.1 g/dL to 10.4 g/dL with normal platelet counts. After readministration in March 2026, hemoglobin decreased by 8.2 g/dL, reticulocyte count rose to 7.00%, and the direct antiglobulin test was positive, confirming drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA). Hemoglobin gradually recovered after discontinuation, but reactive thrombocytosis and coagulation abnormalities occurred. This case highlights that vancomycin can induce immune hemolytic anemia, with more severe and rapid progression upon re-exposure.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Blood groups and transfusion
Blood transfusion and management
Blood disorders and treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- e106679–e106679
- Publication date
- 8 April 2026
- Language
- EN