Hemorrhagic complications of varicella

Although normally a benign illness, varicella can be accompanied by purpuric syndromes. While thrombocytopoiesis is normal, a shortened platelet survival time has been demonstrated with no increase in splenic sequestration. Various mechanisms have been suggested, including an autoimmune mechanism, direct interaction between virus and platelets, and vascular damage resulting in platelet removal on nonendothelialized surfaces.