[Extreme thrombocytopenia following abciximab therapy].

Antagonists of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor block the binding of fibrinogen and Von Willebrand factor to the platelet receptor. This effect can lead to bleeding and thrombocytopenia. We analyzed the incidence and clinical repercussions of severe thrombocytopenia (< 20 000 /microl) secondary to abciximab treatment in a prospective study of 375 patients (74% men) who underwent percutaneous coronary revascularization and received abciximab at our hospital.