THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA COMPLICATING GOLD THERAPY FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Abstract Of 160 patients treated with gold salt therapy, four developed thrombocytopenia with mild purpuric manifestations. In three patients there was a spontaneous remission and the hemorrhagic tendency disappeared in about one week’s time. In the fourth patient there was a second occurrence of thrombocytopenia which persisted over a period of four months, and finally failed to respond to transfusions. Splenectomy was followed by a dramatic rise in the blood platelets and recovery of the patient.