Aspartame-induced thrombocytopenia.To the Editor: The cause of thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia Definition Thrombocytopenia is an abnormal drop in the number of blood cells involved in forming blood clots. These cells are called platelets. is often not found. Owing to my interest in reactions to aspartame aspartame: see sweetener, artificial. aspartame Synthetic organic compound (a dipeptide) of phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It is 150–200 times as sweet as cane sugar and is used as a nonnutritive tabletop sweetener and in low-calorie products, (1) I have encountered four cases of thrombocytopenia which may be attributed to products containing aspartame, especially based on its recurrence on two or more occasions after rechallenge, and the absence of any other definable factor. Patient 1 A 10-year-old girl developed a decline of her platelet count to 1,000 cu/mm, coupled with striking enlargement of the liver and spleen, and a marked increase in histiocytes in the bone marrow. There was dramatic clinical and hematological hematological, hematologic pertaining to or emanating from blood cells. hematological tests total and differential white cell counts, hematocrit estimation, erythrocyte count. normalization when additives were eliminated from her diet, enabling the cessation of prednisone prednisone (prĕd`nĭsōn): see corticosteroid drug. . Similar recurrences occurred twice after ingesting aspartame--first in a cereal, and later with aspartame gum--with remissions when abstaining from aspartame products. Patient 2 An 11-year-old girl was hospitalized for thrombocytopenia. She had been chewing various sugar-free gums. There was a remission after avoiding aspartame. Severe thrombocytopenia recurred after visiting a relative who indulged her with aspartame sweets. Patient 3 A 61-year-old man developed a decline of his platelets to 54,000 cu/mm after drinking diet colas for two years, coupled with headaches, dizziness, two convulsions Convulsions Also termed seizures; a sudden violent contraction of a group of muscles. Mentioned in: Heat Disorders , and a nonspecific rash. Extensive studies failed to uncover an underlying problem. He improved after aspartame abstinence. One retest trial resulted in an immediate exacerbation. Patient 4 A registered nurse began using diet colas after her second pregnancy. Her platelets declined to under 30,000 cu/mm, coupled with headaches and hypertension. The platelet count and blood pressure normalized after avoiding aspartame products. A reaction to aspartame products should be considered in patients with thrombocytopenia in whom no underlying cause can be determined. H. J. Roberts, MD, FACP FACP Fellow of the American College of Physicians. FACP abbr. 1. Fellow of the American College of Physicians 2. Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists , FCCP FCCP Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians FCCP Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy FCCP Feeder Calf Certification Program FCCP Family-Controlled Corporation Program (The Wharton School) Palm Beach Institute for Medical Research West Palm Beach, FL Reference 1. Roberts HJ. Aspartame Disease: An Ignored Epidemic. West Palm Beach, Sunshine Sentinel Press, 2001. Letters to the Editor |
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