Thrombocytopenia associated with c7E3 Fab (abciximab)

Annals of Hematology
D A SchellA Potti

Abstract

Abciximab (c7E3 Fab) inhibits platelet aggregation and is used to prevent complications of percutaneous coronary intervention. Thrombocytopenia is an often-cited complication of abciximab. Pseudothrombocytopenia is due to ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA)-activated platelet agglutination, resulting in a spuriously low platelet count. We have looked at both "true" and pseudothrombocytopenia after infusion of abciximab. Sixty-six patients receiving their first exposure to abciximab after an unstable coronary event/revascularization were eligible. All the patients received a bolus of c7E3 Fab followed by a continuous infusion. Platelets were monitored in all patients at 2, 4, 12, 24, and 48 h, and more frequently if required. The incidence of thrombocytopenia and acute severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < or =20,000/microl) was evaluated. A peripheral blood smear was performed on all patients showing thrombocytopenia to evaluate for pseudothrombocytopenia. Seventeen (25.6%) developed thrombocytopenia and nine (13.6%) developed acute severe thrombocytopenia. However, 18 of these patients had pseudothrombocytopenia. The onset of true thrombocytopenia was at 4 h after the infusion, while pseudothrombocytopenia occurred at anyti...Continue Reading

Citations

May 25, 2013·The American Journal of Emergency Medicine·Naoko OhashiNaoki Yahagi
Jun 3, 2004·Best Practice & Research. Clinical Haematology·Michael H Rosove
Dec 14, 2004·Drug Safety : an International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Drug Experience·Patricia M L A van den BemtAntoine C G Egberts

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