Calcium Channel Blocker-Induced Thrombocytopenia in the Intensive Care Unit: A Rare Presentation and Review of the Literature

Allen Zhou; Michael Sandhu; Brian Min; Gaston Habib; Markus Gutsche

doi:10.7759/cureus.42918

Calcium Channel Blocker-Induced Thrombocytopenia in the Intensive Care Unit: A Rare Presentation and Review of the Literature

Cureus. 2023 Aug 3;15(8):e42918. doi: 10.7759/cureus.42918. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Authors

Allen Zhou¹, Michael Sandhu¹, Brian Min², Gaston Habib³, Markus Gutsche³

Affiliations

¹ Internal Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA.
² Nephrology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA.
³ Pulmonology and Critical Care, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA.

Abstract

Patients with thrombocytopenia may report easy bruising, abnormal bleeding, and fatigue. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia has been reported with a variety of medications, most commonly heparin products, sulphonamides, carbamazepine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, and chemotherapy. We present the case of a 58-year-old female with severe thrombocytopenia attributed to a calcium channel blocker (CCB) overdose, a very rare cause of thrombocytopenia. We discuss the diagnostic work-up and management in the intensive care unit and perform a literature review.

Keywords: clinical hematology; drug induced thrombo; general pharmacology; medical intensive care unit (micu); toxicology and poisoning.

Publication types

Case Reports