Purpura fulminans related to paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria: a case report and literatures review / 中华血液学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To improve the understanding of the rare clinical presentation and management of purpura fulminans (PF) in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). Methods: A case of PF occurring in PNH is reported, while the related literature review is conducted. Results: A 49-year-old male patient suffered from one-week history of fever, greenish-brown colour urine, multiple well demarcated and painful purpura of the head and neck. He had been reported to have two thromboembolic events during the 22-year course of PNH. Skin biopsy displayed classic PF features. Laboratory testing showed a high PNH clone, intravascular hemolysis and coagulation system changes. After sufficient anticoagulation and short course of glucocorticoid therapy, the clinical conditions were improved correspondingly. During a follow-up period of 6 month, there was no recurrence of thrombosis. Conclusion: PF should be considered in PNH patients with unexplained, quickly developed painful purpura. Extensive work-up should be performed to find out other potential thrombophilic risk factors after diagnosis of PF. Early diagnosis, adequate anticoagulation therapy and control hemolysis were essential to PF treatment occurring in PNH. The survival of patients and the qualities of life can be improved. The PNH clone detection is needed to evaluate the status of procoagulation and predict the risk of recurrent thrombosis.