Detection of drug-dependent IgG antibodies with antiplatelet activity by the antiglobulin consumption assay.

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a common acquired hemorrhagic disorder. In this study 32 patients with drug-induced thrombocytopenia were examined with the antiglobulin consumption assay. Platelet-associated IgG was elevated in 19 of 20 patients that were analyzed. An increase in serum platelet bindable IgG was observed in 24 subjects after the addition of various drugs (acetylsalicylic acid, noraminopyrine, antibiotics, sulfamides, digoxin, heparin and chenodeoxycholic acid). These findings are significant for the presence of drug-dependent platelet antibodies.