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Eptifibatide-induced profound thrombocytopaenia: a rare complication

Abstract

Drug-induced immune thrombocytopaenia (DITP) is a type of thrombocytopaenia caused by medications. It is one of the common causes of unexplained thrombocytopaenia. It is caused by the formation of autoantibodies against a particular drug and is commonly observed with medications like heparin and beta-lactam antibiotics. One of the rare causes of DITP is eptifibatide, a widely used antiplatelet agent for pretreatment in cardiac catheterisation. These patients can be asymptomatic or develop complications like skin bruising, epistaxis and even intracranial haemorrhage. We present a case of a 64-year-old man who developed eptifibatide-induced profound thrombocytopaenia leading to extensive skin bruising. He was treated with platelet transfusions followed by prompt improvement in platelet count.

  • interventional cardiology
  • haematology (drugs and medicines)
  • unwanted effects / adverse reactions

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