Bilateral renal cortical necrosis associated with cefuroxime axetil.

Cefuroxime axetil has been associated with few reported adverse effects. We report a case of bilateral renal cortical necrosis in a female after receiving 7 doses over 4 treatment days. The patient presented with worsening symptoms consisting of arthralgias, pruritus, and abdominal pain. Laboratory data obtained was indicative of worsening renal failure and thrombocytopenia. The patient required hemodialysis by the third day. Kidney biopsy revealed cortical necrosis. The possible pathogenesis of cefuroxime axetil causing cortical necrosis in this case and a review of other reported cases of chemical induced renal cortical necrosis is discussed.