A case of chickenpox with complication of post-infectious thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare but serious complication of chickenpox. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of varicella-related complications of post-infectious idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, with a brief review of the literature related to varicella-related haemorrhages, and to determine the specific features of treatment of such children. A 5-year-old unvaccinated boy was admitted to the hospital for infectious diseases on the 7th day of illness. It was found that on the 5th day of the disease onset, crusts and haemorrhagic rashes measuring 10x10 mm appeared on the skin of the child. Then, on the 6th day of the disease, multiple blood exudates of various shapes and sizes (from 1 mm to 30 mm in diameter) and two episodes of nose bleeding appeared. Blood test showed a platelet count of 9.0x109/L. Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered to the child for treatment. The child was discharged from the hospital in a satisfactory condition on the 6th day of treatment. There was no recurrence of the disease within 1 year after the illness. Thus, taking into account the positive effect of the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in post-infectious idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, it can be recommended to be used in this condition. However, additional studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of development of this complication. It is possible to prevent the disease and its serious consequences by vaccinating children against chickenpox. Key words: CHICKENPOX; purpura, thrombocytopenic, idiopathic; CHILD, PRESCHOOL