ABSTRACT
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a hematologic condition characterized by decreased circulating platelets, resulting in bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. This disorder can be categorized into two primary forms based on the duration of symptoms and underlying causes. Acute ITP primarily affects young children, typically between the ages of two and six, but it can also impact older children and adults. Viral infections like chickenpox, respiratory infections, or gastroenteritis often precede it. Acute ITP manifests suddenly and lasts for a short period, typically less than six months and sometimes only a few weeks. On the other hand, chronic ITP primarily affects adults but can occur at any age, including childhood and adolescence. The main characteristic of chronic ITP is the persistence of symptoms for more than six months. It can be either idiopathic (primary), with no discernible etiologic cause, or secondary to various conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus), viral infections (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV)), certain malignancies (e.g., chronic lymphocytic leukemia), or drug reactions. This case report presents the management of a 36-year-old African American female diagnosed with ITP associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, Helicobacter (H.) pylori, and hepatitis B infection.
ABSTRACT
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary red blood cell disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, particularly in association with stress. As they grow, most children with sickle cell anemia undergo auto-splenectomy, making them vulnerable to serious infections. Patients with sickle cell disease infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus are reported to have an increased risk for hospitalization, thrombosis, and other complications compared to non-sickle cell patients. Influenza infection in patients with sickle cell is associated with increased morbidity. Patients with sickle cell HbSC are reported to have a milder form of the disease than HbSS. Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B is rarely reported in patients with hematologic diseases, including sickle cell hemoglobinopathy. We are reporting an unusual case of a patient with sickle cell HbSC with co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B with a favorable outcome.
ABSTRACT
A 58-year-old male with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis of both knees, and morbid obesity presented to the emergency department for opioid detoxification. He complained of generalized soreness, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping but denied signs and symptoms suggestive of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. His COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result came back positive, and his D-dimer level was 5373 ng/mL. A computed tomography pulmonary angiogram showed a moderate burden of bilateral acute pulmonary emboli. He was managed with enoxaparin sodium subcutaneous therapeutic dose for three days, followed by oral apixaban 10 mg twice a day for seven days and then 5 mg twice a day for six months. To date, the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19 has not been reported, and current guidelines do not recommend thromboprophylaxis for these patients.
ABSTRACT
Our search of literature revealed combined elevations of serum cancer antigen 125 levels and rheumatoid factor levels in a patient with peritoneal tuberculosis has rarely been reported. Thus, we describe the case of a 63-year-old female with large abdominal ascites and malignancy was ruled out with biopsy. High levels of serum cancer antigen and rheumatoid factor were noted. Physicians should be aware that tuberculosis infection could induce elevation of rheumatoid factor levels in the absence of rheumatologic symptoms or disease. A high index of suspicion is required because peritoneal tuberculosis is a great mimicker of other abdominal pathology, especially intraabdominal malignancies and can mislead physicians to undergo unnecessary interventions.
