SEVERE THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN A PATIENT WITH COVID-19: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE.

Irenawati SAMAD¹, Vui Heng CHONG², Noorainun YUSOF¹, Muhammad Syafiq Abdullah¹, Rosmonaliza ASLI¹, Babu Ivan MANI², Riamiza Natalie MOMIN²  Pui Lin CHONG¹

¹Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Jalan Putera Al-Muhtadee Billah, Bandar Seri Begawan, BA 1710, Brunei Darussalam.

²Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital, Jalan Sungai Basong, Tutong, TA 1341, Brunei Darussalam.

ABSTRACT

Approximately one-third of patients with COVID-19 develop thrombocytopenia, and it is more commonly seen in those with severe infection. We present a 66-year-old gentleman with confirmed COVID-19 who developed severe thrombocytopenia during his admission. He was asymptomatic at diagnosis. He developed petechial rash over both arms, root of the mouth and under the tongue and was confirmed to have thrombocytopaenia. This was managed by Platelet transfusion. Thrombocytopenia is usually mild in patients with COVID-19 unlike our case. Nonetheless, a comprehensive evaluation of thrombocytopenia remains important as treatment of the underlying cause may reduce the risk of potentially catastrophic consequences. Clinicians should remain vigilant of the association between COVID-19 and thrombocytopenia, and instigate prompt supportive treatment accordingly.

Keywords: Brunei, COVID-19, Platelet transfusion, SARS-CoV-2, Thrombocytopenia.

Correspondence: Dr Pui Lin Chong (BM, MRCP UK, MRCP Diabetes & Endocrinology, MD), Department of Internal Medicine, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Jalan Putera Al-Muhtadee Billah, Bandar Seri Begawan, BA 1710, Brunei Darussalam.

Email: lina.chong@moh.gov.bn

Tel: +673 2242424 ext 6230

Brunei Int Med J.2021;17:40-44