Asymptomatic thrombocytopenia after nintedanib initiation in a patient with progressive pulmonary fibrosis: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Background Nintedanib is a primary antifibrosing medication available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease, and progressive pulmonary fibrosis, with scattered report of drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Case report A 60-year-old Asian male with no history of thrombocytopenia was administered with nintedanib to treat progressive pulmonary fibrosis. The platelet count dropped rapidly after introduction of nintedanib and resolved gradually by withdrawal of the medication along with thrombopoietin receptor agonist. Conclusion Based on experience from the limited reports, nintedanib-induced thrombocytopenia is typically reversible and manageable. Close monitoring of platelet counts in patients receiving this medication should be warranted.

Keywords

• Nintedanib
• Drug-induced thrombocytopenia
• Progressive pulmonary fibrosis
• Anti-Mi-2 antibody
• Case report