[Long-lasting thrombocytopenia induced by glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor].

Introduction: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (anti-GPIIbIIIa) prevent platelet binding to fibrinogen. Transient sometimes-severe thrombocytopenia is a well-known side effect.

Observation: A 71-year-old patient presented severe thrombocytopenia after the administration of tirofiban (anti-GPIIbIIIa). Corticosteroid treatment was initiated at day 10 because of persistence of severe thrombocytopenia with poor platelet transfusion efficacy. Corticosteroid treatment led to platelet recovery evoking an immune mediated mechanism for thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion: Anti-GPIIbIIIa are associated with a risk of dramatic thrombocytopenia. The underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The management of these usually transient thrombocytopenias is based on platelet transfusion. As report here, in some cases persistent thrombocytopenia can respond to corticosteroids.