Abstract |
Vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare side effect of a commonly used drug that may cause life-threatening disease. A 51-year-old man was treated for an episode of acute severe alcohol-induced pancreatitis complicated by development of a peripancreatic fluid collection. He developed fever of unknown origin and was treated with intravenous vancomycin and piperacillin with tazobactam. On day 6 of vancomycin therapy his platelet count dropped to 46×10(9)/L (237×10(9)/L on day 1 of treatment) and by day 8 of therapy platelets had fallen to a nadir of 9×10(9)/L. The patient at this stage displayed a florid purpuric rash and haematoma formation on attempted intravenous cannulation. A clinical diagnosis of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopaenia was made and the drug withdrawn. After 3 days a significant improvement in the platelet count was noted, rising to 56 × 10(9)/L. Immunofluorescence testing (PIFT) ruled out teicoplanin and heparin as causes of drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
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Authors | Simon P Rowland, Iain Rankin, Hemant Sheth |
Journal | BMJ case reports
(BMJ Case Rep)
Vol. 2013
(Oct 16 2013)
ISSN: 1757-790X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 24132444
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Vancomycin
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Fever of Unknown Origin
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pancreatitis
(complications)
- Platelet Count
- Thrombocytopenia
(chemically induced)
- Vancomycin
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
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