Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced cytopenia is a rare but potentially serious hematologic adverse reaction that may present with nonspecific symptoms. This adverse reaction is typically caused by either direct myelotoxicity or immune-mediated destruction. The mechanism by which statins cause cytopenia is not fully understood; however, some studies hypothesize that it may be due to platelet apoptosis or an immune-mediated destruction via the drug’s metabolites triggering an immune response.
In this case, a young female developed cytopenia secondary to pravastatin 20mg. Upon presentation to the emergency department, she reported slurred speech and left upper extremity numbness, followed by facial droop. The physical examination revealed generalized pallor but was largely unremarkable, without any lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory results revealed severe cytopenia. The patient responded to prednisone and transfusions after drug discontinuation.
METHODS: Material for this case report was obtained through a review of the patient’s electronic medical record using Meditech. A literature review was conducted utilizing online databases.
DISCUSSION: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cytopenia induced by statins is not fully understood; however, studies have found that it is associated with the upregulation of caspase-dependent platelet apoptosis and the downregulation of anti-apoptotic factors. Other studies found alterations in signaling pathways that reduce the lipid composition in platelets. Genetic testing for sitosterolemia was conducted which manifests as elevated LDL cholesterol, early atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and xanthomas. Due to the resolution of symptoms after drug discontinuation, the episode of severe anemia and thrombocytopenia is most likely due to drug side effects from pravastatin.
CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the importance of recognizing drug-induced cytopenia as a potential cause of bone marrow suppression, particularly when other diagnostic evaluations yield no definitive findings.
Embargo Period
5-29-2026
Included in
Adverse Hematologic Reaction in a 25-Year-Old Female: A Case of Drug-Induced Cytopenia
Moultrie, GA
INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced cytopenia is a rare but potentially serious hematologic adverse reaction that may present with nonspecific symptoms. This adverse reaction is typically caused by either direct myelotoxicity or immune-mediated destruction. The mechanism by which statins cause cytopenia is not fully understood; however, some studies hypothesize that it may be due to platelet apoptosis or an immune-mediated destruction via the drug’s metabolites triggering an immune response.
In this case, a young female developed cytopenia secondary to pravastatin 20mg. Upon presentation to the emergency department, she reported slurred speech and left upper extremity numbness, followed by facial droop. The physical examination revealed generalized pallor but was largely unremarkable, without any lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory results revealed severe cytopenia. The patient responded to prednisone and transfusions after drug discontinuation.
METHODS: Material for this case report was obtained through a review of the patient’s electronic medical record using Meditech. A literature review was conducted utilizing online databases.
DISCUSSION: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cytopenia induced by statins is not fully understood; however, studies have found that it is associated with the upregulation of caspase-dependent platelet apoptosis and the downregulation of anti-apoptotic factors. Other studies found alterations in signaling pathways that reduce the lipid composition in platelets. Genetic testing for sitosterolemia was conducted which manifests as elevated LDL cholesterol, early atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and xanthomas. Due to the resolution of symptoms after drug discontinuation, the episode of severe anemia and thrombocytopenia is most likely due to drug side effects from pravastatin.
CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the importance of recognizing drug-induced cytopenia as a potential cause of bone marrow suppression, particularly when other diagnostic evaluations yield no definitive findings.