Rashes following cesarean delivery: a case report

Ann Palliat Med. 2020 Nov;9(6):4353-4358. doi: 10.21037/apm-20-1701.

Abstract

This work reports a case of rashes on multiple parts of the body following cesarean delivery caused by routine use of cefuroxime sodium and morphine during the perioperative period. A 29-year-old woman underwent a lower segment cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. During surgery, cefuroxime sodium was administered intravenously following the division of the umbilical cord for the prevention of infection. Morphine hydrochloride was given for analgesia at the end of the procedure. Rashes and pruritus appeared on the patient's abdomen, back and thighs. Cephalosporins and opioids may cause rashes and pruritus. According to the patient's physical signs and the time of drug injection, we considered the rash and pruritus adverse reactions caused by cefuroxime sodium and morphine hydrochloride. After the discontinuation of the medications, antiallergic treatment and the other treatment of symptoms, the patient's symptoms gradually subsided. To this end, we speculate that cefuroxime sodium or morphine hydrochloride cause adverse reactions, including rashes in patients. Physicians, nurses, and clinical pharmacists should closely observe patients who receive these medications. The medications should be at once stopped if an adverse reaction occurs.

Keywords: Cefuroxime sodium; case report; morphine hydrochloride; rash.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Cesarean Section* / adverse effects
  • Exanthema* / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Morphine
  • Pregnancy
  • Pruritus / chemically induced

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Morphine