Delayed severe abciximab-induced thrombocytopenia: A case report

Adverse Drug Effect Profiles of Gp2b/3a Inhibitors: A Comparative Review of the Last Two Decades

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction belong to the acute coronary syndrome group of diseases. These conditions are characterized by the complete or partial blockage of one or several coronary arteries, resulting in myocardial injury or necrosis. Various medications are used in their treatment, with the most recent addition being Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. They work by hindering the activity of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors, which, in turn, prevents the clumping of platelets. Some of the GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors available in this category include abciximab, tirofiban, eptifibatide, roxifiban, and orbofiban. With this comprehensive literature review, we aimed to explore the potential adverse effects of these medications and compare the three in terms of their side effects profile. We searched through PubMed and Google Scholar and pinpointed 13 articles aligned with our inclusion criteria: six articles utilized eptifibatide, four were related to abciximab, and three used tirofiban. In 85% of the cases, a severe drop in platelet count, reaching as low as 1000/μL, was reported. Additionally, several other side effects were noted: one case documented multiple bruising spots appearing around the patient's body, two cases reported diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and one case described a cardiac tamponade resulting from hemorrhagic pericarditis. Our study highlights the crucial significance of keeping a watchful eye on and comprehending the potential drawbacks linked to these medications in cardiovascular treatment. The necessity of researching these medications and their side effects is also evident, as this will significantly enhance the quality of treatment provided.

Delayed thrombocytopenia following administration of abciximab: Pharmacovigilance survey and literature review

BACKGROUND

Abciximab (ABX) is used for acute coronary syndrome and unstable angina. Thrombocytopenia is a frequent adverse effect described as occurring in the first 24hours. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a context of pharmacovigilance survey, the occurrence of delayed thrombocytopenia following ABX infusion in pharmacovigilance database reports and in the literature.

METHODS

Individual case safety reports (ICSRs) of delayed thrombocytopenia-between 3 and 30 days - with ABX presented as a single suspect were selected in VigiBase®, the WHO global database of ICSRs. The French cases were then extracted from the French national pharmacovigilance database. In addition, a literature review of published cases was performed using PubMed.

RESULTS

Among the 84 ICSRs selected from VigiBase®, 43 were also reported in the FPVD. Mean age was 60.1±12.3 years with a majority of male patients (77.4%). The average time to onset (TTO) was 8.9±5.2 days. Thrombocytopenia regressed in 5.1±2.7 days. Haemorrhagic complications were reported in 15% of ICSRs. In the French cases, the median nadir of platelet count was 28×10⁹/L (range 1-110) with a majority of grade 4 thrombocytopenia (39.5%). The literature review identified 42 cases and provided additional information on administered therapies, which include platelet units, corticosteroids, and IV immunoglobulins. GPIIb/IIIa-ABX complex antibodies were described in 26 published cases.

CONCLUSION

Delayed thrombocytopenia, probably due to immune reaction, is a possible life-threatening adverse effect of ABX with a mean TTO of 9 days, supporting the recommendation of a platelet count monitoring during at least two weeks. This recommendation was added to the abcximab SmPC in 2019.