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Biomedical subjects

R A Moss

Publications and source records attributed to R A Moss.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia.

A variety of drugs and other agents have been reported to cause immune-mediated platelet destruction. The cardinal features of this syndrome are acute, often alarming, purpura, closely related to drug exposure, which remits in one to two weeks after discontinuation of all suspect drugs. Quinidine and quinine have been most commonly implicated but, recently, both heparin and heroin have been the subject of numerous reports. Platelets are removed rapidly from the circulation, apparently as a result of the attachment of drug-antibody immune complexes. In vitro documentation of platelet injury by these complexes has inspired the development of many in vitro tests of differing sophistication. While valuable in confirming the clinical suspicion, none is sufficiently sensitive to exclude the diagnosis.

Antibody Specificity↗

Heroin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Six cases of acute thrombocytopenic purpura occurred secondary to heroin abuse. Five of the six affected patients were seen over a six-month period between November 1977 and March 1978, and the last patient was seen in November 1978. The clinical manifestations were characteristic of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia. We suspect this syndrome is related to a new adulterant added to local street heroin.

Acute Disease↗