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Platelet dysfunction-eosinophilia syndrome in parasitized Venezuelan children

Arlette Ruiz-Sáez1, Luz Núñez Sifontes, Rosa Feijoo

  • 1Banco Municipal de Sangre del Distrito Capital, Caracas, Venezuela.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|August 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasites and eosinophilia caused platelet dysfunction and bleeding in children. Anti-parasite treatment resolved these hematologic and bleeding issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Parasitology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Platelet dysfunction can manifest with bleeding symptoms.
  • Eosinophilia and intestinal parasites are common in certain pediatric populations.
  • The interplay between parasitic infections, eosinophilia, and platelet function is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate platelet function in children presenting with purpura and eosinophilia.
  • To identify potential underlying causes, such as intestinal parasites.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of anti-parasite therapy on hematologic parameters and bleeding manifestations.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical evaluations and comprehensive hematologic testing were performed.
  • Platelet function assays included aggregation studies with various agonists.
  • Clotting studies, antibody assays, and stool parasite examinations were conducted.

Main Results:

  • Six children presented with purpura, eosinophilia, and transient bleeding phenomena.
  • All children harbored intestinal parasites and exhibited marked eosinophilia.
  • Prolonged bleeding times and defective platelet aggregation were observed; anti-parasite therapy normalized these abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal parasitism and associated eosinophilia can lead to acquired platelet dysfunction and bleeding in children.
  • Anti-parasite therapy is effective in reversing these hematologic alterations.
  • This study highlights a unique clinicopathologic combination in Latin American children.

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