Korean J Med.  2009 Aug;77(Suppl 1):S213-S216.

AIDS presenting with severe thrombocytopenia: A case report

• Kim JH
• Jung YJ
• Kim SY
• Kim HS
• Nam SH
• Kim BS
• Kim CK

Abstract

The hematologic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are common and may cause symptoms that are life threatening and impair the quality of life in these patients1). The most important of these manifestations is cytopenia. Among cytopenias, thrombocytopenia is caused by immune-mediated destruction of platelets, in addition to inadequate platelet production2). Thrombocytopenia has been reported in 5~15% of HIV-seropositive patients3). Profound thrombocytopenia (< 20,000/mm3) is rare (occurs in only 1.5% of cases) and presents only during advanced AIDS. With the exception of thrombocytopenia associated with advanced AIDS, severe thrombocytopenia in AIDS patients is extremely rare3). There are only a few reports of AIDS patients who first presented with severe thrombocytopenia. Here we report the case study of an AIDS patient who first presented with severe thrombocytopenia, mild abdominal distension, and edema in both lower legs. A brief review of the relevant literature is also presented.

Keyword

AIDS; HIV; Severe thrombocytopenia

MeSH Terms

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Blood Platelets
Edema
HIV
Humans
Leg
Quality of Life
Thrombocytopenia