Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with brucella infection is highly responsive to combined plasma infusion and antimicrobial therapy


ERDEM F., Kiki I., Gündoǧdu M., KAYA H.

Medical Principles and Practice, vol.16, no.4, pp.324-326, 2007 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 16 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000102159
  • Journal Name: Medical Principles and Practice
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.324-326
  • Keywords: Antimicrobial treatment, Brucellosis, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of brucella infection presenting with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that responded well to plasma and antimicrobial treatment infusion. Case Presentation and Intervention: A 51-year-old man with moderate confusion, depressed mood and dysarthria was admitted. He was chronically ill, with fever (38.5°C), anemia, jaundice and petechial-purpuric skin lesions. Neurological examination revealed diminished consciousness with a Glasgow coma scale score of 7 and +1 neck rigidity. The hemoglobin and platelet counts were decreased and reticulocyte index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as serum lactate dehydrogenase and renal dysfunction were elevated. TTP was a possible diagnosis and the patient responded well to plasma infusion and antimicrobial treatment. Conclusion: This report shows that therapy of underlying infection together with plasma infusion may be a successful treatment option for brucellosis-induced TTP. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG.