A rare case of absolute thrombocytopaenia in a COVID-19 patient: Case report

Thrombocytopaenia, one of the most common haematological disorders worldwide, is characterised by platelet counts <150,000/mm³. Patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were found to commonly exhibit haematological abnormalities, often with mild forms of thrombocytopaenia. Absolute thrombocytopaenia tends to be rare among these patients and is believed to be secondary to immune-induced thrombocytopaenia.

A 53-y-old man presented with fever and generalised body ache that persisted for a few days. His polymerase chain reaction test was positive for COVID-19, for which he was treated with acetaminophen, levofloxacin, and favipiravir. On the third day of treatment, he noticed bruising and bleeding, mainly in the oral cavity, with clot formation. A complete blood picture (CBP) revealed severe thrombocytopaenia with an almost-zero count. Prednisone 1 mg/kg/d and frequent doses of intravenous platelet transfusion were administered as rescue therapy to prevent fatal bleeding. The patient was able to recover.

Immune thrombocytopaenia should be considered in patients presenting with bleeding tendencies after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Serial CBP is recommended for vulnerable patients, especially during the second and third weeks of hospitalisation, for the early detection and prevention of life-threatening COVID-19 complications.

Absolute thrombocytopaenia is a rare condition. Such a condition should be considered in patients presenting with bleeding tendencies with severe Covid-19 infection. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients' lives can be saved.