Hemorrhage in the Setting of Acute Severe Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report

Authors: Emily J Bryer*, Karla Asturias and Paul Kinniry

DOI: 10.23880/hij-16000143

Volume 3, Issue 2

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a hematologic disorder characterized by platelet-directed autoantibodies that result in thrombocytopenia via splenic consumption. Patients with ITP usually have a platelet count < 100,000 u/L, with lower counts associated with more severe ITP. While ITP can have a mild clinical spectrum with minor bruising and petechiae, it may also be associated with potentially fatal pulmonary or cerebral hemorrhage. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current therapeutic strategies currently available to treat ITP. We present a case of severe and acute refractory ITP in the setting of persistent multifocal bleeding and a platelet count that eventually responded following eight distinct therapies.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus; Thrombocytopenia; Immune thrombocytopenic purpura; Gastrointestinal bleeding;Partial splenic embolization

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