Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia Secondary to Commonly Used Antibiotics in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia secondary to antibiotic exposure is a rare complication more commonly associated with other medications. In this review, we present a case of antibiotic-induced thrombocytopenia and discuss the clinical picture and approach to identifying the complication. With increasing use of antibiotics that may be associated with drug-induced thrombocytopenia in perioperative prophylaxis protocols, surgeons need to be cognizant of this cause of thrombocytopenia in the postoperative patient. A delay in recognition and discontinuation of the offending agent can result in significant complications secondary to bleeding and superfluous testing.

Keywords

• Vancomycin
• Rifampin
• Platelet
• Thrombocytopenia
• Arthroplasty
• Antibiotic