Heroin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Six cases of acute thrombocytopenic purpura occurred secondary to heroin abuse. Five of the six affected patients were seen over a six-month period between November 1977 and March 1978, and the last patient was seen in November 1978. The clinical manifestations were characteristic of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia. We suspect this syndrome is related to a new adulterant added to local street heroin.