Relapse of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Patient With COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been declared as a global pandemic and worldwide confirmed cases are currently approaching 76 million. And so far, thrombocytopenia has been observed in 5% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 8% of those in intensive care unit (1,2). Although the decrease in platelet counts was mild, confirmation of immune etiology has to be confirmed in those with severe thrombocytopenia (<20 x 109/L) or a sudden decrease in the platelet count >50% over 24-48 hours (3). The role of viral infections in the exacerbation of immune thrombocytopenic thrombocytopenia (ITP) has been revealed previously. We hereby report a patient who had exacerbation of ITP and was subsequently found to be COVID-19 positive.