Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Complicating Propylthiouracil Therapy

Abstract

A 16-year-old girl with thyrotoxicosis, treated successfully for two years with propylthiouracil, developed a purpuric rash, prolonged pro- thrombin time, increased split fibrin products, elevated antinuclear anti body titer and glomerular changes. The symptoms abated after ther apy with heparin and prednisone, although the ANA titer remained elevated. This is presented as the first reported instance of dissem inated intravascular clotting resulting from propylthiouracil therapy.