MEDIC CASE REPORT.. PRESENTED MEDIC 7 SATURDAY 26.MAY 2007.
PATIENT LE THI V. 44 F.. DAKLAC.. VISITE MEDIC DATE 24/MAY 2007 AT
4 AM.. WITH COMPLAINT HEADACHE..LONG TIME..
GENERAL CHECK UP BY GP DOCTOR .ABDOMEN ULTRASOUND, ECG, EEG
UNREMARKABLE.., BP 12/9..P.85/M..NO FEVER..
BLOOD TEST CBC…PLT..VERY LOW 10K/ML…
DR HEMATOLOGIST..CHECK CLINICAL , HISTORY, FAMILIAL..NO
EVIDENCE..
THIS PATIENT SENT TO HOSPITAL.HEMATO-TRANSFUSION..HCM..FOR
CHECK AGAIN…CBC..WITH PTL 120K/ML IT IS NORMAL..
THE REPORT IS USE THE SAME MODEL MACHINE AUTOANALYSER.
PATIENT RETURN TO MEDIC AND DO BLOOD TEST AGAIN…WITH
3 ANOTHER MACHINES HAVED SAME REPORT PTL Cell..VERY LOW..1020K/ML
BUT THE PATIENT WITHOUT CLINICAL SIGN OF BLEEDING..
WHAT IS HAPPEN ..WHAT IS DIAGNOSIS..
THIS PATIENT MUST FOLLOW STRICT AT MEDIC ..AND TRY TO SEE
INTERNET GUIDE…,,THIS CASE….I FIND THIS CASE REPORT..EDTA-PTCP..
SUSGESTION THE CAUSE..IS DUE TO EDTA…(anticoagulant coated the tube)…
WE DO AGAIN CBC WITH TEST TUBE WITH EDTA AND ANOTHER TUBE
WITH CITRATE…THE REPORT WITH THE SAME MACHINE SHOW THAT..
WITH EDTA TUBE ..PLT IS 22K/ML COMPAIRE WITH TUBE
CITRATE..PTL.IS 151K/ML..
NOW..IT IS CLEAR..THE THROMPOCYTOPENIA IS DUE TO EDTA…WE TRY
AGAIN SMEAR SLICE BLOOD AND CHECK WITH MICROSCOPE AFTER
STAIN WITH ..WIGHT….SEE MORE PTL CELL CLUMPING.. MORE THAN 10
IN ONE OPTICAL VIEW.
CONCLUTION…RARELY CASE EDTA-PTCP…WE MUST KNOW…FOR QUICK
RESPONSE..
MEDIC CASE REPORT..
WE THANKS INTER NET GUIDE FOR US…IT IS THE BIG UNIVERSITY FOR
VERY DOCTOR HAVE THE IDEA EVRYDAY PROGRESS…FOR GOOD
CARE MY PATIENT..
MEDICINE ON-LINE
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)-Dependent
Pseudothrombocytopenia: A Case Report of an Incidental but Important
Finding
Rod S. Hagerman D.O.Undersea, Dive, and Submarine Medical OfficerCommander
Submarine Group TenUS NavyKings Bay, Naval Submarine BaseKings Bay, GA
Introduction:
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a commonly used anticoagulant in sampling tubes
designed for determination of complete blood counts. Associated with this anticoagulant is a
phenomenon that is well known to cause erroneous reports of low platelet counts by automated
analyzers. (7) This phenomenon of EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia has been reported
rarely in both normal individuals and in association with a variety of diseases, such as infections
with human immunodeficiency virus, rubella, and cytomegalovirus; autoimmune disorders;
neoplastic diseases; thrombotic disorders; and possibly trauma. (5) It occurs with an incidence of
approximately 0.1% in the general population (7) and has never been associated with hemorrhagic
diathesis or platelet dysfunction. However, failure to recognize this form of
Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) may lead a subject with a normal platelet count, to be considered
as if he had severe thrombocytopenia. (8) Needless evaluations, canceled surgical procedures,
avoidance of conduction anesthesia, unwarranted splenectomies, and undue patient expense and
anxiety (5) are all potential outcomes for an individual with this form of in vitro artifact. Since its
initial description in 1969, this condition has become commonly associated with hospitalized
patients, especially seriously ill ones. PTCP has also been reported, although less commonly in
healthy subjects undergoing routine blood counts. (6)
The following is a case of an 18-year-old man who, aside from a psychiatric condition, was a healthy
individual in which the incidental finding of EDTA-PTCP had no association.
Case Presentation:
An anxious 18 year-old male with an unremarkable medical history presented to ambulatory care
after complaining of vague chest pain and difficulty breathing following his morning exercise
session. The patient denied any traumatic events associated with physical training that morning,
and his coworkers had not noticed any changes in his performance level. The patient stated that the
symptoms began after the activity was completed and described his problem as an inability to
"catch his breath."
The patient is a naval service member awaiting orders for rigorous duty as a Navy Diver when the
incident occurred. He was noted to have begun use of an ephedra-containing supplement
approximately 4 days before his presentation to the clinic.
Aside from the recent supplement use, the only medicine he utilized was fexofenadine for seasonal
allergies. He denied tobacco and alcohol use during the interview. His family history was remarkable
for cardiovascular disease on both sides of his family, but none of which were considered premature
by age criteria. Additionally, his mother's family had a significant history of anxiety disorders, panic
attacks, and attention deficit disorder.
Physical Exam:
Upon arrival to the clinic, the patient's temperature was 98.3 °F, blood pressure was 128/80 mmHg,
and his pulse was 102 beats per minute. His respirations also were rapid at 22 breaths per minute.
His head and neck exam was unremarkable. His heart rate was tachycardic with a regular
rhythm. There were no appreciable gallops, murmurs, or rubs with exam. Breath sounds were
equal bilaterally without crackles or wheezes. His abdominal exam was unremarkable, as was his
extremity exam. Neurological exam was notable only for obvious bilateral resting hand tremors. An
EKG revealed sinus tachycardia with no ST or T wave changes. His pulse oximetry was also normal
at 99%. Labs were drawn and included a complete blood count. The Chest x-ray was consistent with
hyperaerated lungs with some flattening of the diaphragms. Spirometry followed and was found to
be normal. By the time these later studies were completed, his CBC was returned with a critical
value of 34 x 103 platelets. The rest of the CBC was normal.
Clinic Course:
Upon reviewing his initial labs, the patient was brought back into the exam room for a closer
inspection of his integument for signs of petechiae or echymosis consistent with a platelet disorder.
This follow up exam remained normal, and his history remained devoid of clues for easy bruising,
gingival bleeding or bloody bowel movements.
After reinspection was complete, a microscopic review of the sample was conducted. Numerous
megakaryocytes appeared to be present in each high power field, but upon further review, the
finding was consistent with groups of thrombocytes tightly clumped together. The patient's blood
was redrawn and run immediately. The follow up platelet count was normal at 219 x 103. The same
sample was run again 10 minutes later and found to be 108 x 103. Again, microscopic exam
revealed significant clumping.
Upon determination of incidental pseudothrombocytopenia, a clinical diagnosis of generalized
anxiety disorder was made. The diagnosis was supported by a long-standing history of similar
symptoms, which extended into his early teenage years. He was released with a prescription of
diazepam and a consult to Mental Health for a routine follow-up evaluation.
The patient returned the next day reporting a positive response to the medication. A clear notation
was made in his medical record regarding his unusual reaction to the EDTA in the lavender top
collection tubes. Much like an allergy to medication, pseudothrombocytopenia was recorded in his
permanent medical record.
Discussion:
Although the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia encompasses a diverse list of potential
underlying etiologies, most cases fall with two major categories: impaired platelet production or
accelerated platelet destruction. However, when a patient reports for evaluation with an abnormally
low platelet count in the absence of a history consistent with thrombocytopenia,
pseudothrombocytopenia should be suspected. (3) The term pseudothrombocytopenia is used to
define a state with a falsely low platelet count reported by automated hematology analyzers due to
platelet clumping. (10) Commonly, this clumping is caused by an alteration of the platelet surface
glycoproteins when they are incubated with a calcium chelator such as EDTA. (3) These modified
platelet antigens then react to anti-platelet autoantibodies (Immunoglobulins of both the IgG and
IgM types (2)) to form these large agglutinates. (1) Despite the fact that some resource state that
the aggregation of platelets in patients with EDTA-dependent PTCP can be prevented by the use of
other anticoagulants such as sodium citrate or heparin (9), we have found that even these agents
can induce platelet clumping, and thus spuriously low platelet counts. The addition of
aminoglycosides also is cited as a useful way to diagnose EDTA-PTCP and to even evaluate these
patients appropriately in routine testing. (4)
Table 1: Time post venapuncture w.platelet concentration with three different anticoagulants:
EDTA,Heparin, and Sodium citrate
To substantiate the diagnosis in our patient, we collected blood specimens by venepuncture in
different tubes each containing EDTA, sodium citrate, and heparin. The blood specimens were then
measured with a Sysmex SF-3000 hematology analyzer which is based on laser technology. These
three tubes were measured at times 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 30 minutes from
venepuncture. Immediately after analysis at these respective times, slides were also made and
inspected. All three agents were observed to induce a decreasing platelet count by automated
analysis with EDTA and Heparin following a similar slope to 10 minutes post-venepuncture. Platelet
counts in the Sodium citrate sample also fell, yet this appeared to be considerably less than the
other two specimens. (Table 1) The microscopic images illustrated these numeric findings with
increasing clumping as time increased. (Figures 1 through 6)
Figures 1 and 2: Microscopic images of blood anticoagulated with EDTA at time of blood
draw and 10 minutes later. Increased clumping in figure 2.
Figures 3 and 4: Microscopic images of blood anticoagulated with Heparin at time of
blood draw and 10 minutes later. Notes the increased clumping in Figure 4
Figures 5 and 6: Microscopic images of blood anticoagulated with sodium citrate at time
of blood draw and 10 minutes later. Note the increased clumping in Figure 6 but not as
notable as in Figures 2 and 4.
Given these findings, similar agglutination appears to occur with other anticoagulants. In
anticoagulant-sensitive patients, aside from adding aminoglycosides to collected samples, the best
analytic course appears to be immediately running the freshly drawn samples (11) without the use
of anticoagulants at all. (2) Microscopic examination of sequential samples also appears to enable
the diagnosis of EDTA-PTCP, since the platelet clumping will be readily apparent. (3)
Given the widespread use of EDTA-containing vacutainers for blood collection, identification of PTCP
requires a high index of suspicion after the identification of thrombocytopenia in the absence of a
suggestive medical history. Examination of the peripheral blood smear provides evidence of PTCP in
the form of platelet clumping. This, in addition to prompt analysis of freshly-collected samples, will
help to decrease, if not eliminate, needless laboratory testing and unwarranted transfusions. (3)
Our patient is an example of an otherwise healthy individual who, in light of his current condition,
was suspicious for EDTA-PTCP. Nonetheless, an awareness of this particular condition is necessary,
because its lack of recognition may lead subjects with a normal platelet count to be considered, and
at times treated, as if they were severely thrombocytopenic. (1) A picture only more complicated if
other comorbid conditions exist in which to cloud the medical history with potential causes for "true"
thrombocytopenia.
References:
1. Bizzaro, N., et al. (1995). EDTA-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia: A Clinical and
Epidemiological Study of 112 Cases, With 10-Year Follow-Up. American Journal of
Hematology, 50, 103-109
2. Van der Meer, W., Allebes, W., Simon, A., van Berkel, Y., & de Keijzer, M. H. (2002).
Pseudothrombocytopenia: A Report of a New Method to Count Platelets in a Person With
EDTA- and Temperature-Independent Antibodies of the IgM Type. European Journal of
Haematology, 69, 243-247.
3. Dalamangas, L. C., & Slaughter, T. F. (1998). Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid-Dependent
Pseudothrombocytopenia in a Cardiac Patient. Anesth Analg, 86, 1210-1211.
4. Sakurai, S., Shiojima, I., Tanigawa, T., & Nakahara, K. (1997). Aminoglycosides prevent
and dissociate the Aggregation of Platelets in Patients With EDTA-dependent
Pseudothrombocytopenia. British Journal of Haematology, 99(4-II), 817-823.
5. Allerheiligen, D., Houston, R., & Vermedahl, B. (1996). EDTA-Induced
Pseudothrombocytopenia. Jornal of the American Board of Family Practice, 9, 212214.
6. Sweeney, J. D., Holme, W. L., Heaton, D. C., & Bowen, M. L. (1995).
Pseudothrombocytopenia in Plateletpheresis Donors. Transfusion, 35, 46-49.
7. Mori, M., Kudo, H., Yoshitake, S., Ito, K., Shinguu, C., & Noguchi, T. (2000). Transient
EDTA-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia in a Patient with Sepsis. Intensive Care
Medicie, 26, 218-220.
8. Matarazzo, M., Conturso, V., Di Martino, M., Chiurazzi, F., Guida, G., & Morante, R. (2000).
EDTA-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia in a case of Liver Cirrhosis. PANMINERVA
MEDICA, 42, 155-157.
9. Ahn, H. L., et al. (2002). EDTA-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia Confirmed by
Supplementation of Kanamycin; A Case Report. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine,
17, 65-68.
10. Bartels, P., Schoorl, M., & Lombarts, A. (1997). Screening for EDTA-Dependent Deviations
in Platelet Counts and Abnormalities in Platelet Distribution Histograms in
Pseudothrombocytopenia. Scand J Clin Lab Invest, 57, 629-636.
11. Kabutomori, O., & Iwatani, Y. (1995). "Correct" Platelet Count in EDTA-Dependent
Pseudothrombocytopenia. Eur J Haematol, 55, 67-68.
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