Clinical and laboratory features of adult measles cases detected in Van, Turkey

To evaluate adult measles patients with respect to their clinical and laboratory findings as well as complications. The retrospective study was conducted at Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, between December 2012 and June 2013, and comprised cases diagnosed with measles. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings and all were serologically confirmed with the presence of Anti-measles Immunoglobulin M antibodies. Of the 50 records studied, 41[84%] related to women. Overall mean age was 25.52 +/- 4.07 years. The most common symptoms were fever and rash 50[100%], malaise 49[98%], cough 48[96%], headache 44[88%] and sore throat 36[72%]. The presence of Koplik spots, lymphadenopathy and hepatomegaly were observed in 3[6%], 6[12%] and 2[4%] patients respectively. Thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes were detected in 26[52%] and 22[44%] patients. Pneumonia was the most common complication in 9[18%] patients. Other respiratory complications were bronchitis 5[10%] and laryngotracheitis 6[12%]. Of the cases, 9[18%] exhibited otitis media. Premature delivery and spontaneous abortus occurred in 2[4%] and 3[6%] patients of the 15[30%] pregnant women. Measles continues to be an important health problem in Turkey and needs an effective elimination programme

Severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic diathesis due to brucellosis

Background: We aimed to examine cases of brucellosis that presented with severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic diathesis

Methods: A total of 10 brucellosis cases with severe thrombocytopenia were included in this case-series study. Patients' files were reviewed for their clinical and laboratory findings, as well as clinical outcomes and complications. Platelet counts of<20000/mm[3] were diagnosed as severe thrombocytopenia

Results: The lowest thrombocyte count was 3000/mm[3] while the highest was 19000/mm[3] [mean: 12000/mm[3]]. Patients had the following symptoms: epistaxis [7 cases], petechia with epistaxis [4 cases], bleeding gums [3 cases], ecchymosis with epistaxis [2 cases], melena and renal failure [2 cases], and hematuria [1 case]. Patients were given rifampicin and doxycycline along with supportive hematological therapy. All were treated successfully with no evidence of recurrence at follow-up visits

Conclusion: Since brucellosis is endemic in developing countries, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cases that present with severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic diathesis