Acute profound thrombocytopenia without bleeding complications after re-administration of abciximab

J Invasive Cardiol. 2001 Jan;13(1):56-8.

Abstract

Abciximab (c7E3) is the Fab fragment of the chimeric (murine/human) monoclonal antibody directed against the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, which is the final common pathway for platelet aggregation. Abciximab has been widely used for patients undergoing angioplasty who are at high risk for ischemic complications. Severe thrombocytopenia (defined as platelet count < 50,000 platelet/mm3) has been observed in both first-time administration and re-administration of abciximab. Platelet transfusion as treatment for the reversal of thrombocytopenia is ubiquitously accepted. Intravenous corticosteroid as an adjunctive therapy is being explored. We previously reported our experience with platelet transfusion combined with corticosteroid treatment for acute thrombocytopenia following first-time abciximab administration. We now report a case of acute profound thrombocytopenia following re-administration of abciximab successfully treated with a combination of platelet transfusion and intravenous corticosteroid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abciximab
  • Acute Disease
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / administration & dosage
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / adverse effects*
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Platelet Count
  • Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / metabolism
  • Platelet Transfusion
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Thrombocytopenia / therapy
  • Thrombolytic Therapy / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex
  • Abciximab