Disseminated tuberculosis with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Ganglionic Tuberculosis: An Unlikely Link

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading infectious causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Either in its pulmonary (PTB) or extrapulmonary forms (EPTB), TB has a wide variety of manifestations, including hematological ones like thrombocytosis (especially in PTB) and thrombocytopenia (mainly with disseminated or miliary TB). Hematological manifestations are infrequently presenting features of TB, and within them, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)-associated TB is one of the rarest presenting features. We report a case of a 22-year-old woman with a diagnosis of ganglionic tuberculosis (GTB) presenting with ITP. The therapeutic approach was challenging and included the use, originally, of intravenous immunoglobulin 30 mg/day for five days and, posteriorly, of high-dose corticosteroids (dexamethasone 40 mg/day) and anti-tubercular therapy with satisfactory outcomes.

Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) induced thrombocytopenia: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a known adverse event of several drugs. Antitubercular therapy (ATT) is rarely reported but important cause of thrombocytopenia. The present review aimed to understand the profile of thrombocytopenia caused by first-line ATT i.e. isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened case reports, case series, and letter-to-editor from databases, like Pubmed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and EMBASE from 1970 to 2021. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the present systematic review.

RESULTS

Categorical data were expressed as n (%) and quantitative data were expressed as median (IQR). After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 17 case reports and 7 letters to the editor were selected for the present review. Rifampicin was most frequently associated with thrombocytopenia (65%). A median (IQR) drop to 20,000 (49,500) platelets/mm3 was observed. Anti-rifampicin associated antibodies and anti-dsDNA positivity were found in six studies. Except for two, all patients responded to symptomatic treatment.

DISCUSSION

ATT-induced thrombocytopenia can be life-threatening and require hospitalization. Clinicians should be aware of the association of ATT with thrombocytopenia and should take appropriate measures for patient management.

CONCLUSION

This review provides clinicians a comprehensive picture of adverse effects and their management in ATT induced thrombocytopenia.

Disseminated tuberculosis with severe immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune condition with increased platelet destruction. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is an uncommon and rare manifestation of tuberculosis. A search of the literature available on TB-associated ITP identified only around 50 cases published between 1964 and 2016. We present an uncommon and interesting case of severe isolated immune thrombocytopenia secondary to bilateral tubercular cervical lymphadenopathy and pott's spine in 26 year old Indian male. Due to severe thrombocytopenia patient was managed with IVIg and steroids along with anti tubercular therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment with Anti tubercular therapy is important for effective control of bleeding manifestations.

Immune thrombocytopenia in tuberculosis: causal or coincidental?

Immune thrombocytopenia is a relatively rare hematological manifestation in tuberculosis. We report two cases of immune thrombocytopemia, one in sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis and the other in miliary tuberculosis. Antituberculous drugs and immunosuppressive therapy corrected the thrombocytopenia in both patients. Our case reports stress that tuberculosis should be considered during the evaluation of immune thrombocytopenia, and also highlights the safety of immunosuppressive therapy during active tuberculosis along with antituberculous drugs.