A Case of Immune Thrombocytopenia After BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an immune response that destroys platelets and increases the risk of bleeding, which can range from bruising to intracranial hemorrhage. ITP is a known complication of coro-navirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the first studies of the BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vac-cine, there were no reports of ITP and the incidence of serious adverse events (AEs) was low overall. Here, we present a case of ITP as a complication of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Case Report: Three days after receiving a second dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, a 39-year-old woman pre-sented with a petechial rash on her trunk, legs, and arms, and fatigue and muscle aches. At the time of her hospital admission, her platelet count was 1000/mu L. A peripheral smear showed profound thrombocytopenia. During the course of the patient's hospitalization, she was treated with 2 units of platelets, 2 infusions of i.v. immunoglobulin, and i.v. methylprednisolone. Her platelet count increased to 92 000/mu L on the day of discharge and she was prescribed a tapered dose of oral prednisone. One day later, her rash had resolved and her plate-let count was 243 000/mu L. The patient recovered completely with no complications. Conclusions: ITP should be considered a severe AE of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Knowing the early signs and symptoms of ITP will become increasingly important as more of the population receives this vaccine. Quick di-agnosis and management are essential to avoid life-threatening bleeding.

Automated summary

This case study presents a rare complication of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, highlighting the importance of early detection and management to prevent life-threatening bleeding.