A YOUNG GIRL WITH ACUTE IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an immune-mediated acquired disease in both adults and children. It is characterized by transient or persistent reductions in the platelet count. We report a case of ITP presenting with intermittent fever and oral hemorrhagic symptoms. The patient was a 9-year-old girl with no significant past medical history. She presented with sudden onset gum bleeding and hemorrhagic bullae on the buccal mucosa. During night pinpoint purple spots (petechiae) appeared on the body mainly, on the lower legs. Laboratory tests revealed severe thrombocytopenia with a platelet count as low as 2000/mm3. Under a provisional diagnosis of Acute ITP, she was treated with 1 mega unit platelets transfusion and high dose immunoglobulin therapy. Her platelets rapidly increased, and no bleeding complications were reported