Immune thrombocytopenia and alopecia areata: Spontaneous occurrence and resolution in the same patient

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are autoimmune conditions occasionally encountered by pediatricians, but their simultaneous occurrence is rare. We describe here a 7-year-old female who acutely developed both AA and ITP. Within 3 months both conditions resolved spontaneously, suggesting a pathophysiologic relationship.

Concurrence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and alopecia areata: A rare association

“…[ 2 ] More recently, a 7-year-old female with spontaneous occurrence and resolution of ITP and AA was reported. [ 3 ] In both patients, ITP presented with generalized petechiae and easy bruising; there were no symptoms of bleeding as in our patient. In addition, Tosti et al .…”

“…AA is well-known to be associated with autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo and thyroid disease;[ 1 ] however, the association of AA and ITP has been reported in only two cases previously. [ 2 3 ] Levin et al . reported a 2-year-old female with simultaneous onset of ITP and AA which were successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin.…”

“…It has been suggested that this association may be due to a single factor activating an autoimmune response against hair follicles and platelets or a cross reaction to different antigens on the hair follicles and platelets. [ 2 3 ]…”