Amrinone-mediated thrombocytopenia

Amrinone, a new cardioactive drug, was administered for, on average, 27.9 d to 12 patients in severe congestive heart failure. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 4 patients, while a progressive decline in platelet numbers developed in 3 additional patients. The mechanism for these adverse effects of amrinone is unclear, but merits further study because of its frequency.