Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Measuring Relative Insulin Secretion using a Co-Secreted Luciferase Surrogate
Published on: June 25, 2019
Thrombocytopaenia: a serious side effect of diazoxide
Kirsten A Thus1, Wilhelmina J den Boogert1, Josefine C van der Heyden1
1Paediatrics, Franciscus Gasthuis en Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
A child treated for congenital hyperinsulinism developed severe thrombocytopaenia (low platelet count) after high-dose diazoxide. This case highlights diazoxide-induced immune thrombocytopaenia as a potential adverse effect.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Congenital hyperinsulinism is a rare disorder causing severe hypoglycemia.
- Diazoxide is a common treatment for hyperinsulinism, often used with diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide.
Observation:
- A 2.5-year-old boy with congenital hyperinsulinism experienced recurrent hypoglycemia.
- Treatment with escalating doses of diazoxide and hydrochlorothiazide led to bleeding symptoms and severe thrombocytopenia.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of diazoxide and hydrochlorothiazide resulted in normalization of platelet count.
- Positive drug rechallenge confirmed diazoxide as the causative agent for drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring platelet counts in patients receiving high-dose diazoxide.
- Clinicians should consider drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia in patients presenting with unexplained bleeding and thrombocytopenia during diazoxide therapy.
Abstract:
A 2.5-year-old boy with a history of (transient) congenital hyperinsulinism was admitted to the paediatric ward with recurrent hypoglycaemia. Diazoxide 5 mg/kg/day and hydrochlorothiazide 2 mg/kg/day were initiated. After increasing the dose of diazoxide to 10 mg/kg/day, the child developed mild rectal bleeding, petechiae, epistaxis and haematemesis. Blood screening showed severe thrombocytopaenia. Diazoxide and hydrochlorothiazide were stopped, and his platelet count normalised. Drug rechallenge was positive. Drug-induced immune thrombocytopaenia was diagnosed.
Related Concept Videos
05:58Measuring Relative Insulin Secretion using a Co-Secreted Luciferase Surrogate
10:42Flow Cytometric Analysis of Particle-bound Bet v 1 Allergen in PM10
12:03Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
10:24Quantitation of Endothelial Cell Adhesiveness In Vitro
12:02Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
12:31A Method for Selecting Structure-switching Aptamers Applied to a Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Assay