Acute renal failure in a child with thrombocytopenic purpura caused by acute Epstein-Barr virus infection after treatment with anti-D immunoglobulin

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2013 Jun;29(6):748-50. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e318294f3a5.

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in children is usually a benign, self-limiting disorder. An acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection usually causes atypical lymphocytosis and mild decrease in platelets. Severe thrombocytopenia is an extremely rare complication. Anti-D immunoglobulin has been used for treatment of ITP in Rh(D)-positive nonsplenectomized patients. Severe hemolysis and acute renal failure are extremely rare complications that may be aggravated by the presence of an acute EBV infection. It is believed that anti-D immunoglobulin triggers an unusual virus-induced immune response causing hemolysis. We present a 4-year-old girl with ITP caused by an acute EBV infection that developed acute kidney injury following treatment with anti-D immunoglobulin. The patient recovered completely from thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction. Intravascular hemolysis and acute kidney injury are consistent with anti-D immunoglobulin mechanism of action. Pediatric patients treated with anti-D immunoglobulin for ITP should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of hemolysis that may be aggravated by the presence of EBV infection leading to impaired renal function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / drug therapy
  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology*
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / blood
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Female
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Furosemide / therapeutic use
  • Hemolysis / immunology
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Immunotherapy
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Isoantibodies / adverse effects*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / etiology*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / therapy
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Isoantibodies
  • RHO(D) antibody
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin
  • Furosemide