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Herpes zoster-associated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a liver transplant recipient: a case report and overview

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Transplant International

Abstract

Idiopathic (autoimmune) thrombocytopenic purpura has been previously reported as a rare complication in children and in a few adults following chickenpox. We report a case of varicella zoster virus-associated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in an adult liver transplant recipient following dermatomal zoster. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura developed 3 days after the onset of herpes zoster in our patient, with a nadir platelet count of 3000/mm3. The patient was treated with intravenous gamma globulin with recovery of thrombocytopenia after 3 weeks. Transplant clinicians need to be aware that this serious and potentially life-threatening complication may occur with herpes zoster in transplant recipients.

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Singh, N., Gayowski, T. & Yu, V.L. Herpes zoster-associated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a liver transplant recipient: a case report and overview. Transpl Int 8, 58–60 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00366713

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00366713

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