Authors: Federico Boggio, Alessandro Ciavarella, Sara Arcudi, Roberta Gualtierotti, Raffaella Rossio, Francesco Tafuri, Andrea Artoni & Flora Peyvandi
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia is a common feature of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and rarely requires treatment. Here we present the case of a 71-year-old man hospitalized for severe immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) secondary to APS and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasma exchange (PEX). Few data are published on the use of plasma exchange in the treatment of thrombocytopenia in non-catastrophic APS. In the setting of acute infection when immunosuppressive therapies might be contraindicated, plasma exchange may be considered an effective therapeutic option. SARS-CoV-2 infection may be a trigger for a relapse of immune thrombocytopenia.
Key Summary Points |
SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger a relapse of immune thrombocytopenia. |
We describe the case of a patient with severe thrombocytopenia secondary to APS successfully treated with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and PEX. |
PEX may be considered in cases of APS with severe thrombocytopenia unresponsive to standard treatments. |
Few cases of thrombocytopenia secondary to APS treated successfully with PEX are reported in the literature. |