Abciximab (ReoPro)-Induced Thrombocytopenia Diagnosed Through Measurement of Heparin-Dependent Antibody

ABSTRACT

Abciximab (ReoPro) is an extremely potent inhibitor of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. Its main application is in the maintenance of coronary flow after suboptimal coronary intervention. Complications associated with this drug include bleeding and severe thrombocytopenia. We report a case of severe thrombocytopenia secondary to abciximab therapy for percutaneous coronary intervention in a 65-year-old woman suffering from an acute myocardial infarction. Her platelet count dropped to 1,000/mm3 7 hours after abciximab administration and improved with transfusion of 12 units of platelet concentrate the following day. The patient was diagnosed through measurement of heparin-dependent antibodies and readministration of heparin.