A case of isoniazid-induced thrombocytopenia: recovery with immunoglobulin therapy

Intern Med. 2012;51(7):745-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.6296. Epub 2012 Apr 1.

Abstract

Treatment for a 51-year-old man with pulmonary tuberculosis was initiated with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, and discontinued after 3 weeks because of skin rash and itchiness. Isoniazid monotherapy was restarted after 2 weeks. Two days later, the platelet count decreased from 150 to 4×10(3)/mm(3). Despite platelet transfusion and oral corticosteroid treatment, the platelet count did not recover. However, after a 2-day administration of intravenous immunoglobulin, the platelet count recovered to 209×10(3)/mm(3). This report describes a case of isoniazid-induced thrombocytopenia that was reversed with intravenous immunoglobulin, thus highlighting the efficacy of this treatment for this rare condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Isoniazid / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Count
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Thrombocytopenia / therapy*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Isoniazid