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BMJ Case Reports 2009; doi:10.1136/bcr.12.2008.1381
  • Learning from errors

Acute profound abciximab induced thrombocytopenia: a correct management of a methodological error

  1. Gaetano Tanzilli1,
  2. Martina Sordi2,
  3. Alessio Arrivi2,
  4. Enrico Mangieri2,
  5. Massimiliano Scappaticci2
  1. 1
    Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, Roma, 00161, Italy
  2. 2
    Policlinico Umberto I, “Attilio Reale”, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome, 00161, Italy
  1. Gaetano Tanzilli, gaetano.tanzilli{at}uniroma1.it
  • Published 5 October 2009

Summary

Thrombocytopenia is a rare complication of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa treatment. We report a case of an acute profound abciximab induced thrombocytopenia and its successful management. The patient, presenting with unstable angina, underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with implantation of three drug eluting stents without receiving a clopidogrel loading dose according to guidelines. The rapid drop in the platelet count after abciximab elastomeric pump infusion was treated with drug discontinuation and platelet transfusion. The high risk of stent thrombosis was avoided by a timely readministration of the dual antiplatelet treatment.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: none.

  • Patient consent: Patient/guardian consent was obtained for publication

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