Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Helicobacter pylori, and Hepatitis B

TL;DR

This case report describes a patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, Helicobacter pylori, and hepatitis B.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of ITP associated with three distinct underlying conditions in a single patient.

Findings

The patient had ITP secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus.

Co-infections with Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis B were also identified.

The case highlights the complexity of managing ITP with multiple underlying causes.

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a hematologic condition characterized by decreased circulating platelets, resulting in bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. This disorder can be categorized into two primary forms based on the duration of symptoms and underlying causes. Acute ITP primarily affects young children, typically between the ages of two and six, but it can also impact older children and adults. Viral infections like chickenpox, respiratory infections, or gastroenteritis often precede it. Acute ITP manifests suddenly and lasts for a short period, typically less than six months and sometimes only a few weeks.

On the other hand, chronic ITP primarily affects adults but can occur at any age, including childhood and adolescence. The main characteristic of chronic ITP is the persistence of symptoms for more than six months. It can be either idiopathic (primary), with no discernible etiologic cause, or secondary to various conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus), viral infections (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV)), certain malignancies (e.g., chronic lymphocytic leukemia), or drug reactions. This case report presents the management of a 36-year-old African American female diagnosed with ITP associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, Helicobacter (H.) pylori, and hepatitis B infection.

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