Varicella-associated immune thrombocytopenic purpura in a child with bleeding manifestations with review of literature
Journal Title: Indian Journal of Child Health - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 4
Abstract
Chickenpox is a benign and self-limiting viral exanthematous infection, but sometimes it may be associated with complications. Mild thrombocytopenia occurs in 1-2% of children with varicella, but severe immune-mediated thrombocytopenia associated with bleeding is a rare complication. Various other mechanisms for thrombocytopenia have been implicated-decreased bone marrow production of platelets, disseminated intravascular coagulation, virally-induced platelet aggregation followed by phagocytosis or lysis, direct viral invasion of platelet precursors and viral-derived neuraminidase causing enzymatic desialylation of platelets followed by removal of abnormal platelets by reticuloendothelial system. We report a case of severe thrombocytopenia, possibly immune-mediated with bleeding in the form of petechiae and epistaxis in a child recovering from chickenpox, who is successfully treated with steroids. This may at least in part guide clinicians to recognize this rare but potentially dangerous complication of chickenpox.
Authors and Affiliations
Mukesh Kumar
Keywords
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