The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2017;72(6):365-366

A case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura with prolonged aPTT time: A clotter hidden in a bleeder?

Lee Mei HAN 1 ; Khoo Pei JIE ; Gew Lai TECK ; Ng Chen FEI

Affiliations

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Country

Malaysia

Language

English

Abstract

We report the case of a 23-year-old woman who presentedwith prolonged menstruation and multiple bruises on thelimbs and trunk. Investigations revealed severethrombocytopenia and deranged coagulation profile withmarkedly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time(aPTT). Lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibody andanti-beta-2-glycoprotein 1 antibody were positive. She wasdiagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)with positive antiphospholipid antibody serology and givena course of intravenous methylprednisolone and taperingdoses of oral prednisolone. She was steroid free and had nobleeding or thrombotic event over two years follow up.