title: Dealing with drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Unpredictable and potentially life-threatening, immune thrombocytopenia can occur with any drug, at times even after long, uneventful use. Heparin is the most common cause; although the fall in platelet count tends to be modest, these cases are particularly dangerous because of associated thrombosis. Much has been learned about heparin-induced disease, but complex issues remain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Kelton
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D003663:Decision Trees; D017128:Embolectomy; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000188:drug therapy; D050607:Organogold Compounds; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011802:Quinidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D050607:Organogold Compounds; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D006493:Heparin; D011802:Quinidine; D011241:Prednisone