Abstract
Background
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a pooled blood product acquired from multiple healthy donors, is an effective treatment for various types of autoimmune diseases, haematological disorders, and infectious diseases. Adverse haematological events such as thrombocytopenia are rarely caused by IVIG.
Objectives
To investigate the phenomenon of IVIG-induced thrombocytopenia.
Materials & Methods
A case study and a review of the previous literature based on a search using MEDLINE (PubMed) and ICHUSHI (for Japanese literature) electronic databases.
Results
The present case of dermatomyositis exhibited two episodes of IVIG-induced thrombocytopenia, which occurred a few days after initiating IVIG and was significant within two weeks without haemorrhagic symptoms. Spontaneous remission of thrombocytopenia was repeatedly observed. Based on a review of five cases, the underlying disorders were autoimmune bullous diseases in three of the five cases. Polyethylene glycol-treated human immunoglobulin products were used in three of the five cases. The clinical course of IVIG-induced thrombocytopenia was similar to that in our present case.
Conclusion
Because of the rarity of severe haemorrhagic symptoms and spontaneous remission of IVIG-induced thrombocytopenia, discontinuation of IVIG due to thrombocytopenia is not straightforward.
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Fukuzono, M., Okiyama, N., Iwasaki, R. et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin-induced thrombocytopenia: a case report and review of the literature. Eur J Dermatol 32, 373–376 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2022.4271
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2022.4271