THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN CHILDREN WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia was found in five (12.5%)of 40 children with evidence of HIV infection, Age of the patients at time of diagnosis of thrombocytopenia ranged from two months to two years; platelet counts were less than 50,000/cmm in all and less than 10,000/cmm in three. Two of five patients had thrombocytopenia at the time of diagnosis of HIV infection while three others developed it during the course of their illness. Three of five patients manifested bleeding (petechiae, echymosis, and epistaxis). Bone marrow examination revealed increased numbers of megakaryocytes in all. Increased levels of platelet associated antibody (PAIgG) were found in 2/2 patients tested. Four patients received intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG) in a dose of 2-3 g/kg over a 3-5 day period. Only one patient had a significant increase in platelet count (from 32,000 to 350,000 /cmm)two days after a five day course of IVGG therapy, but the count returned to 40,000/cmm in two weeks. Two patients whose platelet count did not improve after IVGG received prednisone and in one there was a moderate but transient increase in the platelet count. We conclude that immune thrombocytopenia occurs in children with HIV infection and that the rate of response to IVGG appears to be lower than that reported in HIV associated ITP in adults or non-HIV associated ITP in children.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD