Idiopathic Purpura With Gray Platelets: an Acquired Form of Gray Platelet Syndrome

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2019 Jan;41(1):47-50. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001334.

Abstract

An acquired, transient bleeding disorder that predominantly affects children in Southeast Asia has been reported for the last 4 decades. The condition has been named idiopathic purpura with gray platelets (IPGP) or acquired platelet dysfunction with eosinophilia. In a retrospective review from a private pediatric clinic over an 8-year period, 10 consecutive children were diagnosed as IPGP with a mean age of 8.4 (3.7 to 16.2) years. Eosinophilia (>0.5×10/L) was absent in 1, while gray platelets were consistently found in all cases with a mean proportion of 64.5% (40% to 80%). Platelet aggregation tests were performed in 9 patients with abnormal responses consistent with platelet storage pool defect. All children recovered completely and spontaneously from 1 to 4 months after diagnosis without specific therapy. In an otherwise well child who presents abruptly with easy bruising and a platelet count >100×10/L, IPGP can be readily recognized as an acquired form of gray platelet syndrome. Eosinophilia is common but not mandatory for diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eosinophilia / blood
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Female
  • Gray Platelet Syndrome / blood*
  • Gray Platelet Syndrome / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Placental Function Tests
  • Platelet Aggregation*
  • Platelet Count
  • Purpura / blood*
  • Purpura / pathology
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Retrospective Studies