Sandostatin causing reversible thrombocytopenia.
Esophageal variceal bleeding can be serious or life threatening. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia can further complicate such bleeding episodes. Thrombocytopenia because of sandostatin has been reported in the literature only once previously. We describe a case of sandostatin-induced reversible thrombocytopenia with a positive rechallenge. Platelet count decreased during administration of sandostatin and recovered only when the infusion was halted. The proposed mechanism of thrombocytopenia during both episodes is immunologic. Physician awareness of sandostatin-induced thrombocytopenia can prevent unnecessary complication during episodes of esophageal variceal bleeding and is rapidly reversed with discontinuation of the drug.
Chisholm
Sian
S
Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Florida Health Sciences Center, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, USA.
Gummadi
Bharat
B
Vega
Kenneth J
KJ
House
Jeffrey
J
D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015282:Octreotide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D015282:Octreotide