Infect Chemother.  2020 Sep;52(3):410-414. 10.3947/ic.2020.52.3.410.

Severe Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with COVID-19

• Nham E
• Ko JH
• Jeong BH
• Huh K
• Cho SY
• Kang CI
• Chung DR
• Peck KR

• KMID: 2507537
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2020.52.3.410

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is spreading rapidly all over the world, being a major threat to public health. Since clinical feature of COVID-19 has not been fully evaluated yet, empirical antibacterial agents are frequently combined for the treatment of COVID-19 in addition to antiviral agents, concerning co-existing bacterial pathogens. We experienced a case of severe thrombocytopenia with epistaxis and petechiae, while treating a COVID-19 patient with ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, and lopinavir/ritonavir. The platelet count decreased to 2,000/mm ³ and recovered after discontinuation of the three suspected drugs. In treating a potentially fatal emerging infectious disease, empirical and/or experimental approach would be unavoidable. However, the present case suggests that the possibility of adverse effects caused by polypharmacy should also be carefully considered.

Keyword

COVID-19; Lopinavir/ritonavir; Ceftriaxone; Levofloxacin; Thrombocytopenia