Immune thrombocytopenia associated with pulmonary tuberculosis

J Infect Chemother. 2010 Feb;16(1):42-4. doi: 10.1007/s10156-009-0003-6.

Abstract

Many hematological abnormalities, such as pancytopenia, anemia, and leukocytosis, can be associated with tuberculosis (TB). Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an extremely rare event in TB. We report a 46-year-old male patient who was admitted to hospital with a history of weight loss, combined with hemoptysis, fever, cough, sputum, general malaise, and night sweats. Physical examination revealed a body temperature of 38.8 °C, and petechiae distributed over the lower extremities. Laboratory findings were as follows: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 84 mm/h; white blood cells, 7070/mm3; hemoglobin, 11.7 g/dl; and platelet count, 4000/mm3. On Ziehl-Neelsen stain of sputum, acid-fast bacilli were observed. Antituberculosis therapy was started, together with prednisolone, 0.5 mg/kg per day, from the day of admission. He was treated successfully with the steroid and antituberculous drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / complications*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Prednisolone