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Published on: November 16, 2016
Levofloxacin-induced severe thrombocytopenia
Chantana Polprasert1, Kannadit Prayongratana
1Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Srinakarinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. jeedchantana@gmail.com
Summary
Severe thrombocytopenia, a dangerous drop in platelet count, can be caused by levofloxacin. This drug-induced thrombocytopenia case highlights the need for awareness and further research into levofloxacin
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a recognized clinical issue.
- Numerous medications can trigger this condition, though levofloxacin is infrequently implicated.
- Early identification is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A case study of a 78-year-old male patient is presented.
- The patient developed severe thrombocytopenia and hemoptysis after a 4-day course of levofloxacin for infected bronchiectasis.
- Platelet counts normalized after discontinuing levofloxacin.
Findings:
- Levofloxacin administration was associated with severe thrombocytopenia.
- The patient experienced significant bleeding (hemoptysis) due to low platelet levels.
- Cessation of levofloxacin led to the recovery of platelet counts.
Implications:
- This case suggests levofloxacin as a potential cause of severe drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
- Further investigation into levofloxacin-induced antibodies against platelet glycoproteins is warranted.
- Clinicians should consider levofloxacin when evaluating drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
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