Drug-Associated Thrombocytopenia as a Rare and Devastating Side Effect of Octreotide in a Cirrhotic Patients: A Case Report and Current Literature Review

Abstract

Variceal bleeding is one of the most serious outcomes encountered in portal hypertension. It represents one of the leading causesof death in cirrhotic patients. Octreotide infusion is the mainstay of treatment in variceal bleeding. It shows its effects by loweringportal venous pressure. Here, we present a patient with variceal bleeding who experienced sudden thrombocytopenia after octreotideinfusion. Cessation of the octreotide therapy has resulted in a quick recovery of the platelet counts. Naranjo adverse drug reactionprobability scale has revealed a probable relationship with 6 points. The case is reported in discussion with the existing 4 cases in theliterature.