WHERE HAVE THE PLATELETS GONE? TIROFIBAN INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GP IIb/IIIa) prevent platelet aggregation by blocking fibrinogen binding to GP IIb/IIIa receptors on platelets. GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors have shown to improve clinical outcomes. They are widely used in patients with acute coronary syndrome and following percutaneous intervention (PCI). Thrombocytopenia associated with this class of agents is a well-known complication. Drug dependent antibodies are the cause of thrombocytopenia in this condition. However, severe thrombocytopenia is rare. Here we report a case of acute severe thrombocytopenia following treatment with tirofiban, a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor in a patient who underwent PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).