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Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia

• Overview

Definition:

Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia is a condition in which certain drugs reduce the number of normal clot-forming blood cells ( platelets ).

Alternative Names:

Thrombocytopenia (nonimmune) drug-induced; Nonimmune thrombocytopenia - drug-induced

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Platelets are important in forming blood clots. Certain drugs may decrease the number of platelets by damaging the bone marrow where platelets are made. Decreased platelets may cause easy bruising or abnormal bleeding.

Bleeding can be life-threatening if it occurs in the brain or other vital organs. Other drugs (such as aspirin) can increase the risk of bleeding by stopping platelets from working normally.

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

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