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Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia

• Overview

Definition:

Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the use of certain drugs leads to the formation of antibodies against clot-forming cells in the blood ( platelets ). These antibodies can cause a low platelet count, which makes bleeding more likely.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

If the antibodies to platelets form during pregnancy, they may pass from the mother to her unborn baby (fetus).

• Review Date: 4/27/2007
• Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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