Severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare hematologic condition through to affect 3.3 in 100,000 adults per year in the United States. Many cases of immune thrombocytopenia are diagnosed incidentally with laboratory tests that reveal low platelet count, without a clear cause. However, when platelet counts are very low, patients may show signs of bleeding. Here we present the case of a 24-year-old female with mucocutaneous bleeding ten days after receiving her first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, who was subsequently found to have severe thrombocytopenia. Extensive work up for new thrombocytopenia was unremarkable suggesting a diagnosis of ITP, potentially secondary to vaccination. Empiric treatment with glucocorticoids was initiated without response prompting the use of intravenous immunoglobulin G. The patient was discharged on hospital day five with a platelet count over 20,000 platelets per microliter. In summary, ITP is a potential sequela of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and otherwise healthy young individuals may be at risk for hematologic side effects.