Isolated thrombocytopenia induced by thalidomide in a patient with multiple myeloma: Case report and review of literature

Thalidomide is being increasingly used in hematology and oncology. Its use is associated with neuropathy, sedation, edema, fatigue, constipation, and deep venous thrombosis. Cytopenias are unusual, but there are case reports. However, there are no reports of isolated thrombocytopenia. We describe here a case of prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia most likely caused by thalidomide. The patient's in platelet count decreased promptly after an increase in the dose and improved after discontinuation of the drug. The relevant literature is reviewed. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.