Resolution of autoimmune thrombocytopenia associated with raltegravir use in an HIV-positive patient

Platelets. 2013;24(7):574-7. doi: 10.3109/09537104.2012.735721. Epub 2012 Nov 6.

Abstract

About 10% of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients show thrombocytopenia. We describe the case of an HIV/HCV-positive patient whose autoimmune thrombocytopenia resolved with the addition of raltegravir to previous highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). It is noteworthy that the effect on platelet count appeared to be independent of viral load suppression, which was achieved with previous antiretroviral regimens. In fact, it has been suggested that the positive effect exerted by raltegravir on autoimmune diseases is due to its inhibition on herpes viruses, and hence on activation of endogenous human retroviruses. This consideration, if confirmed, could open new avenues in the treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia in the HIV setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects*
  • HIV Infections / blood*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / chemically induced*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / virology*
  • Pyrrolidinones / administration & dosage
  • Pyrrolidinones / adverse effects*
  • Raltegravir Potassium

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Pyrrolidinones
  • Raltegravir Potassium