Plasma Exchange in a Patient with Immune Thrombocytopenia Associated with Antiphospholipid Syndrome Hospitalized for COVID-19

Thrombocytopenia is a common feature of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and rarely requires treatment. Here we present the case of a 71-year-old man hospitalized for severe immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) secondary to APS and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasma exchange (PEX). Few data are published on the use of plasma exchange in the treatment of thrombocytopenia in non-catastrophic APS. In the setting of acute infection when immunosuppressive therapies might be contraindicated, plasma exchange may be considered an effective therapeutic option. SARS-CoV-2 infection may be a trigger for a relapse of immune thrombocytopenia.

Automated summary

This case study presents a rare case of a 71-year-old male patient with immune thrombocytopenia secondary to APS and concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection, successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasma exchange.