Does Hypothyroidism Predispose to Gold-Induced Thrombocytopenia?

Abstract

Two patients receiving gold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis suffered from a sudden and unpredictable fall of platelet count. Spontaneous bleeding into the soft tissues occurred in both cases, and nasal epistaxis or macroscopic haematuria complicated each case. Both patients were on long term replacement therapy with thyroxine and it is postulated that changes associated with hypothyroidism may predispose to acute thrombocytopenia due to gold. Patients who suffer from hypothyroidism may require particularly close monitoring whilst on gold therapy.