Case report: Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia in a child with Brucella infection

• DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1139622
• Publication Date: 2023-06-15T05:55:47Z
• Authors: Atheer Alkhunein; Ahmed Albraikan; Maria Alayed; Wesam Althaqafi; Musaed Alharbi
• Keywords: ADAMTS-13 (a disentegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif); 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; thrombotic thrombocitopenic purpura; microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA); case report; thrombocytopenia; Brucella; Pediatrics; RJ1-570

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a diffused microvascular occlusive disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia, and ischemic organ dysfunction. In addition, this condition has been linked to an absence or dysfunction of ADAMTS13. Although TTP can occur due to various factors, such as bacteria, viruses, autoimmune disorders, drugs, connective tissue conditions, and solid tumors, it is a rare hematological complication associated with brucellosis. We describe the first case of a 9-year-old boy with acquired TTP with undetectable ADAMTS-13 assay secondary to Brucella infection. After initiating antimicrobial therapy, symptoms and laboratory abnormalities improved dramatically, with no recurrence of TTP in subsequent follow-ups.