Immune thrombocytopenic purpura in an elderly patient with COVID-19 (clinical case)

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a low platelet count and mucocutaneous bleeding. Many viruses have been identified as autoimmune triggers, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus, rubella, and measles. A rare association with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 infection (Covid-19 infection), has been reported. Here we report a case of ITP in an elderly patient caused by a novel coronavirus infection. He demonstrated an inadequate response to IVIG but responded to corticosteroids without serious side effects. Further research is needed to determine optimal therapeutic strategies for ITP in Covid-19 infection