Possible causal association between ulcerative colitis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Peripheral and central immune system crosstalk in Alzheimer disease - a research prospectus

Dysregulation of the immune system is a cardinal feature of Alzheimer disease (AD), and a considerable body of evidence indicates pathological alterations in central and peripheral immune responses that change over time. Considering AD as a systemic immune process raises important questions about how communication between the peripheral and central compartments occurs and whether this crosstalk represents a therapeutic target. We established a whitepaper workgroup to delineate the current status of the field and to outline a research prospectus for advancing our understanding of peripheral-central immune crosstalk in AD. To guide the prospectus, we begin with an overview of seminal clinical observations that suggest a role for peripheral immune dysregulation and peripheral-central immune communication in AD, followed by formative animal data that provide insights into possible mechanisms for these clinical findings. We then present a roadmap that defines important next steps needed to overcome conceptual and methodological challenges, opportunities for future interdisciplinary research, and suggestions for translating promising mechanistic studies into therapeutic interventions.

Colitis ulcerosa asociada a púrpura trombocitopénica idiopática

Multiple hematological anomalies have been described in association with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of isolated thrombopenia with a normal or increased number of megakaryocytes in bone marrow and absence of splenomegaly. Several case reports of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, mostly ulcerative colitis, have been published in the literature. The pathogenic mechanism through which these entities are associated is unknown. Several treatments have been used, varying from short courses of steroids to the use of immunosuppressive agents and splenectomy, depending on the severity of the symptoms. We describe the case of a woman with ulcerative colitis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, in which the latter first presented when the patient was undergoing treatment with corticosteroids and cyclosporin, one of the therapeutic options for controlling thrombopenic purpura. Platelet deficiency persisted despite treatment with azathioprine and colectomy, also described as a possible curative treatment.