Gold-Associated Thrombocytopenia

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Abstract
Six patients who developed thrombocytopenia while receiving gold injections for rheumatoid arthritis were studied and observed for six months to three years. In all of them bone marrow examinations performed at the time of maximum thrombocytopenia revealed normal to increased numbers of megakaryocytes. There was no evidence of lymphocyte transformation in the presence of gold, nor were circulating antibodies detected. Following prednisone therapy the platelet counts returned to normal and therapy was discontinued. Despite the fact that in vitro studies disclosed no abnormalities, it is probable that this clinical disorder represents a form of immune drug purpura.