Research Information System
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY, vol.16, no.1, pp.42-44, 2010 (SCI-Expanded)
Many hematological abnormalities, such as pancytopenia, anemia, and leukocytosis, can be associated with tuberculosis (TB). Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an extremely rare event in TB. We report a 46-year-old male patient who was admitted to hospital with a history of weight loss, combined with hemoptysis, fever, cough, sputum, general malaise, and night sweats. Physical examination revealed a body temperature of 38.8A degrees C, and petechiae distributed over the lower extremities. Laboratory findings were as follows: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 84 mm/h; white blood cells, 7070/mm(3); hemoglobin, 11.7 g/dl; and platelet count, 4000/mm(3). On Ziehl-Neelsen stain of sputum, acid-fast bacilli were observed. Anti-tuberculosis therapy was started, together with prednisolone, 0.5 mg/kg per day, from the day of admission. He was treated successfully with the steroid and antituberculous drugs.