Severe Thrombocytopenia from Clopidogrel and Pentoxifylline
Author Information
Author(s): Vedes Elisa Celeste da Silva, Marques Lia Dulce Guerreiro, Toscano Rico Miguel Cordovil
Primary Institution: Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Hospital Pulido Valente, Lisboa, Portugal
Hypothesis
Can clopidogrel and pentoxifylline therapy lead to severe isolated thrombocytopenia?
Conclusion
Severe isolated thrombocytopenia can occur as a side effect of clopidogrel and pentoxifylline therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a normal platelet count before starting the medications.
- His platelet count dropped to 4 × 10^9 cells/L after three days of treatment.
- The patient was treated with immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, leading to a gradual increase in platelet count.
Takeaway
A 79-year-old man developed a very low platelet count after taking two common medications, clopidogrel and pentoxifylline, which doctors need to watch out for.
Methodology
Case report of a patient treated with clopidogrel and pentoxifylline who developed severe isolated thrombocytopenia.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
79-year-old Caucasian man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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