Death from the introduction of Ceftriaxone in the presence of Lidocaine (case report)

Abstract

In clinical and expert practice, pathological processes such as toxic reactions and anaphylaxis may develop following the introduction of the local anesthetic lidocaine; however, information about the death of children is limited and scattered. The morphological signs of these cases are non-specific, which leads to difficulty in interpreting the results of the study and determining the causes of death. This report described the death of a child following intramuscular administration of ceftriaxone in a 2% lidocaine solution. The results of the primary and commission examination of the corpse and data of repeated pathohistological examinations of a 2-year-old child are presented. The objective expert conclusion about the cause of death following the intramuscular administration of ceftriaxone in a 2% lidocaine solution was toxic effects (overdose) or anaphylactic shock, which requires assessing the sequence of the event and nature of the clinical picture, taking into account the route of drug administration, comprehensive pathohistological and morphological studies, and mandatory forensic chemical determination of the concentration of these drugs in the internal organs and blood. Morphological signs of an allergic reaction can be verified based on pathomorphological data, including changes in the target organs of anaphylaxis and pronounced hemocirculatory disorders. In our opinion, further in-depth study and systematization of available data are needed.