Ranitidine-induced thrombocytopenia in a neonate – A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 × 109/L) regularly occurs in newborns but is especially observed in critically ill neonates. We describe the case of a small for gestational age (SGA) neonate, who showed an unexpected, severe thrombocytopenia (8 × 109/L) at day 5 of life. The thrombocytopenia recovered completely after cessation of ranitidine (0.5 mg/kg/6 hr), which was started in a context of feeding difficulties. Other causes of neonatal thrombocytopenia were ruled out. Besides a brief report on a cimetidine-induced thrombocytopenia over 25 years ago, no other neonatal or pediatric cases of H2 antagonist-induced thrombocytopenia have been reported to date, although being widely used in routine care. Moreover, several adult cases have been published. In general, neonatal thrombocytopenia, although one of the most frequent hematological conditions in newborns, is only rarely attributed to an adverse drug reaction. Clinicians should be aware of the risks for adverse reactions, especially in routinely used drugs and in critically ill patients.