Thrombocytopenia by aggregated platelet: case report

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) –induced by pseudothrombocytopenia is a platelet agglutination phenomenon that occurs in vitro, which are mediated by anti-platelet antibodies of the IgG, IgA or IgM type directed against the glycoprotein complex IIb / IIIa of the platelet membrane .

Clinical case: This is a clinical case of a 59-years-old patient undergoing aortic valve replacement, clinically with a favorable evolution during the postoperative period, however, in control studies, severe thrombocytopenia was recorded, which led to questioning the use of anticoagulants and the need for platelet transfusion. When carrying out complementary studies, aggregated platelet were found in the peripheral blood smear, later, a serial platelet count and comparison of the platelet histogram were performed, classifying the case as pseudotrombocytopenia.

Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia due to aggregated platelet is a low incidence condition (0.07% to 0.1%). It is due to the aggregation of platelets in vitro associated with the use of anticoagulants [frequently ethylenediamine tetra acetic (EDTA)]; in the present case it was also associated with the use of sodium citrate. This problem is not associated with bleeding; however its lack of knowledge leads to unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Key words: anticoagulants, platelet aggregation.