Cephalosporins that contain the N-methylthiotetrazole side chain (NMTT-cephalosporin) have been reported to be associated with coagulation-related adverse events; however, a comprehensive evaluation regarding the association is lacking. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the safety profile of NMTT-cephalosporins with respect to hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding. The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and RISS databases were systematically searched for clinical studies up to October 2018. The association between NMTT-cephalosporins and hypoprothrombinemia was estimated using an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 15 studies on cefamandole, cefoperazone, cefotetan, cefmetazole, and moxalactam were identified and included in the meta-analysis. Hypoprothrombinemia (OR 1.676, 95% CI 1.275-2.203) and prothrombin time (PT) prolongation (OR 2.050, 95% CI 1.398-3.005) were significantly associated with NMTT-cephalosporins, whereas bleeding was not (OR 1.359, 95% CI 0.920-2.009). Subgroup analyses revealed that cefoperazone (OR 2.506, 95% CI 1.293-4.860), cefamandole (OR 3.247, 95% CI 1.083-9.733), and moxalactam (OR 3.367, 95% CI 1.725-6.572) were significantly associated with hypoprothrombinemia. An Antimicrobial Stewardship Program led by a multidisciplinary team could play a critical role in monitoring cephalosporin-related hypoprothrombinemia or PT prolongation in patients with underlying clinical conditions at risk for bleeding. The multidisciplinary team could also assist in communicating the potential safety concerns regarding NMTT-cephalosporin use with healthcare professionals to decrease the risk of adverse events.
Keywords: bleeding; cephalosporins; hypoprothrombinemia; prothrombin time.