Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Secondary to Varicella Zoster Infection: A Case Report

Abstract

Varicella zoster infection is usually considered to be benign despite of serious complications. Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is usually a self-limiting disorder in children. ITP is an autoimmune disorder in which antibody-coated or immune complex-coated platelets are destroyed prematurely by the reticuloendothelial system, resulting in peripheral thrombocytopenia. In primary ITP the thrombocytopenia is isolated, whereas in secondary ITP the condition is associated with other disorders (e.g. Systemic Lupus Erythematous, HIV, VZV). We describe a case of immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura secondary to varicella infection in a previously healthy 7-y-old boy. He was treated successfully with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).