Cytomegalovirus-associated thrombocytopenia treated with thrombopoietin receptor agonist

Intern Med J. 2016 Sep;46(9):1096-9. doi: 10.1111/imj.13181.

Abstract

Symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) in immunocompetent individuals is an uncommon, yet recognised, phenomenon. This report discusses a case of CMV-associated thrombocytopenia refractory to immunomodulation and antivirals. Ultimately, a clinicopathological response was attained with eltrombopag. This is the first report of the efficacy of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in this context. This experience provides insight into possible pathogenic mechanisms of CMV-associated thrombocytopenia and presents a therapeutic option.

Keywords: cytomegalovirus; eltrombopag; immune thrombocytopenic purpura; platelets; treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzoates / administration & dosage*
  • Cytomegalovirus / isolation & purification
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrazines / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / drug therapy*
  • Pyrazoles / administration & dosage*
  • Receptors, Thrombopoietin / agonists*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Benzoates
  • Hydrazines
  • Pyrazoles
  • Receptors, Thrombopoietin
  • eltrombopag
  • Prednisone