EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia confirmed by supplementation of kanamycin; a case report

Korean J Intern Med. 2002 Mar;17(1):65-8. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2002.17.1.65.

Abstract

EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is the phenomenon of a spurious low platelet count due to EDTA-induced aggregation of platelets. Since the failure to recognize EDTA-dependent PTCP may result in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the recognition of this phenomenon is very important. We report an insidious case of EDTA-dependent PTCP confirmed by supplementation of kanamycin to anticoagulant in a 53-year-old women. Although sodium citrate and heparin usually prevented the aggregation of platelets in EDTA-dependent PTCP patients, these anticoagulants failed in preventing PTCP in our case. EDTA-dependent PTCP was confirmed by the findings that the clumping of platelets on microscopic evaluation was found in EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples, whereas thrombocytopenia and platelet aggregation were not revealed in the sample supplemented with kanamycin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology
  • Edetic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kanamycin / pharmacology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Platelet Count
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood*
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anticoagulants
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Kanamycin
  • Edetic Acid