Thrombocytopenia following iron repletion with ferrous gluconate

Saudi Med J. 2024 Aug;45(8):848-850. doi: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.8.20231003.

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder marked by low platelet counts that puts patients at risk for spontaneous bleeding. A rare trigger for ITP is iron repletion, which has only been reported in a few cases. In this article, we present a unique case of a 54-year-old male with a history of recurrent ITP who experienced rapid thrombocytopenia following iron repletion with ferrous gluconate. Discontinuation of ferrous medications resulted in platelet counts returning to the normal baseline. Following more than 30 years of the patient's clinical timeline, this case demonstrates the chronic nature of ITP and the complexity of its causes. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of iron repletion-induced thrombocytopenia and its underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: case report; immune thrombocytopenia; iron repletion induced.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ferrous Compounds* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Iron / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / chemically induced
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / drug therapy
  • Thrombocytopenia* / chemically induced

Substances

  • Ferrous Compounds
  • ferrous gluconate
  • Iron