Agents that react with the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa complex (αIIb/β3 integrin) to block
fibrinogen binding and platelet-platelet aggregation have been proved to be effective in
reducing the incidence of complications following coronary angioplasty and are now widely
used for this purpose. Acute thrombocytopenia, which is sometimes severe and life-
threatening, is a recognized side effect of this class of drugs. In contrast to other types of
drug-induced thrombocytopenia, this complication can occur within a few hours of a patient's …