The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics 2004 , Vol 46 , Num 3
Thrombocytopenic purpura as only manifestation of brucellosis in a child

Department of Pediatrics, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey

Abstract

Yalaz M, Arslan MT, Kurugöl Z. Thrombocytopenic purpura as only manifestation of brucellosis in a child. Turk J Pediatr 2004; 46: 265-267.

Thrombocytopenic purpura associated with brucellosis has been rarely reported in the world literature. Thrombocytopenic purpura is generally part of the array of manifestations of brucellosis such as fever, arthritis, malaise and hepatosplenomegaly. We describe a nine-year-old girl who presented with thrombocytopenic purpura as the sole manifestation of brucellosis, which resolved with anti-Brucella chemotherapy. Her physical examination was remarkable for hepatomegaly of 3 cm and splenomegaly of 2 cm palpable below the costal margin. Initial laboratory investigations revealed isolated thrombocytopenia with platelet count of 11,300/mm3 and positive serology for Brucella. Thrombocytopenia resolved promptly with proper antibiotics on 7th day of treatment. Brucellosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenic purpura in Brucella-endemic areas.

Keywords : brucellosis thrombocytopenic purpura.
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