Drug-induced thrombocytopenia: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management

Abstract

A large number of drugs have been reported to cause immune thrombocytopenia. Recent research has considerably increased our knowledge of the cellular mechanisms that drive this immune reaction to drugs. The diagnosis is usually made clinically after considering the causal relationship with the suspected drug and the occurrence of the thrombocytopenia. The mainstay of treatment is essentially cessation of the suspected drug or drugs. The platelet count usually returns to normal limits within 1-2 weeks. However, high-dose glucocorticosteroid and IVIg are often administered because of the high risk of bleeding associated with severe thrombocytopenia. This review will focus on the various cellular mechanisms that cause drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia and will also discuss its diagnosis and management.