Background. Eptifibatide is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) receptor inhibitor which prevents platelet activation. The mechanism in which eptifibatide causes profound thrombocytopenia is poorly understood. One hypothesis suggests antibody-dependent pathways which cause thrombocytopenia upon subsequent reexposure to eptifibatide. This case reports acute profound thrombocytopenia ( platelets < 20 × 10 3 / m m 3 ) within 24 hours of administration. Alveolar hemorrhage occurred during a second eptifibatide infusion 5 days after initial asymptomatic eptifibatide treatment. Case Presentation. A 50-year-old male presenting with a STEMI was treated with eptifibatide during cardiac catheterization. Twelve hours posttreatment, the patient encountered profound thrombocytopenia and hemoptysis. The patient was briefly intubated for airway protection. The patient was stabilized after receiving platelet transfusion and fully recovered. Conclusion. This is one of several cases reported on eptifibatide causing acute profound thrombocytopenia and subsequent alveolar hemorrhage. This case supports the theory in which antibodies contribute to eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia.

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In this study, preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer was found to result in a dose-dependent impairment of spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function, reflected both by decreased sperm count and characteristic changes in hormonal response, with signs of partial recovery between 12 and 24 months after surgery. Decreased semen volume was also observed, indicating ejaculatory tract dysfunction, that seemed to be longer-lasting and not related to testicular dose. This threatens fertility in men treated for rectal cancer, and suggests that pretreatment cryopreservation and anticonception after treatment should be discussed individually.