Thrombocytopenia associated with dialysis treatments

We present a case of a 51-year-old woman who developed thrombocytopenia associated with dialysis treatments. Laboratory values revealed a platelet count of 50,000 or less postdialysis, with recovery of platelet count during her interdialytic period. An extensive work up including infectious serology and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia test was negative. Based on the pattern of thrombocytopenia and negative work-up, it is concluded that her thrombocytopenia was due to her dialysis treatments. We discuss the literature on thrombocytopenia and hemodialysis and postulate that our patient had a reaction to her dialyzer membrane or to the electron beam radiation method used to sterilize her dialyzer.