Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a boy with ataxia telangiectasia on immunoglobulin replacement therapy

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2010 Jan;32(1):e25-7. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181bf29b6.

Abstract

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is an inherited cerebellar degeneration syndrome often associated with immune deficiency, notably, lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and cellular immune dysfunction. Although autoimmunity is a common feature of many congenital and acquired immune deficiencies, it has not generally been thought to be associated with AT. We report a 7-year-old boy with AT who developed acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura while on subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy for hypogammaglobulinemia. He responded promptly to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin. This case reinforces the notion that one must be observant for autoimmune hematologic conditions in any child with qualitative or quantitative deficiencies in cellular immunity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Agammaglobulinemia / drug therapy
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia / complications*
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia / drug therapy
  • Autoimmunity
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive / methods*
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / etiology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous