Drug-induced thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is characterized by an abnormal decrease in the platelet count below 150×10 9 /L that can be associated with bleedings. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia can develop during treatment with various antimicrobial agents, platelet inhibitors, non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs, analgesics, anticonvulsants, chemotherapeutic agents, immunosuppressive agents, etc. The annual prevalence of drug-induced thrombocytopenia is approximately 10 cases per 1 million. Risk factors for development of drug-induced thrombocytopenia include duration of treatment, dose, advanced age and drug interactions. Laboratory tests for drug-induced thrombocytopenia may include GP-specific platelet antibody assays and an evaluation of drug-dependent increase in platelet-associated IgG. Treatment of drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a multifaceted process and depends on the specific mechanism of action of the drug. The main way to prevent drug-induced thrombocytopenia is to stop the medication or replace it with another drug that does not have this side effect.

Key words

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia, heparininduced thrombocytopenia, adverse drug reaction.