Methyldopa-induced reversible immune thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia caused by albendazole in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome: A case report

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by a chronic inflammatory response mainly localised to the lachrymal and salivary glands. Haematological abnormalities are common, although they rarely have clinical significance. Here, we report a patient with SS and thrombocytopenia caused by albendazole. Haematological abnormalities such as thrombocytopenia are seen in approximately 5-15% of SS patients; however, this disease is usually asymptomatic and can often be recovered to normal levels with corticosteroids. If it is not, we should keep in mind other reasons for the thrombocytopenia, such as drug use.

Lymphoma and methyldopa therapy

I describe a patient who developed a drug associated lymphoma with methyldopa attributable to hypersensitive reaction. Several forms of immunologic changes have been observed with methyldopa therapy. In general, they have been considered to be hypersensitive changes from the common development of hemolytic anemia, lupus, retroperitoned fibrosis, thrombocytopenia, and hepatitis.