Quinine-induced immune thrombocytopenic purpura followed by hemolytic uremic syndrome

Am J Kidney Dis. 1999 Jan;33(1):133-7. doi: 10.1016/s0272-6386(99)70269-6.

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) mediated by quinine-dependent platelet reactive antibodies is well recognized. More recently there have been a number of reports of quinine-induced hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). We describe a patient with quinine-induced immune thrombocytopenia who subsequently developed HUS after re-exposure to a single dose of this drug. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported. Multiple quinine-dependent antibodies have been characterized in the patient's serum. Initially, quinine-dependent antibodies were directed solely against the platelet glycoprotein complex GPIb/IX. After rechallenge with quinine, there was broadening of quinine-dependent antibody specificities, which were now also directed against the platelet glycoprotein complexes GPIb/IX and GPIIb/IIIa, endothelial cells, and leukocytes. We have shown quinine-dependent antibody-mediated endothelial cell activation, which supports an immunopathogenic role for quinine-dependent antibodies in the causation of this disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / blood
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Leg
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Cramp / complications
  • Muscle Cramp / drug therapy
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / adverse effects*
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / immunology
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / chemically induced*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / diagnosis
  • Quinine / adverse effects*
  • Quinine / immunology
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central
  • Quinine