Acute Gastroenteritis Triggered Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Complicating Intracranial Haemorrhage in Paediatric-A Case Report

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to several bleeding complications. Intracranial Haemorrhage (ICH) is a very serious life-threatening condition. We present a case of ICH due to ITP flare-up triggered by Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE). A three-year old female was admitted with complaints of weakness of left upper and lower limb, deviation of mouth to right, intermittent vomiting and headache since the past three days and viral AGE 10 days back. The patient had decreased platelet levels and intracranial haemorrhage thereby inducing seizures. The patient showed an excellent response to corticosteroids and IV Immunoglobulin (IV IG). The corticosteroid dose was slowly tapered after gradual improvement. The presence of acute viral gastroenteritis a few days back triggered the flare-up of ITP and subsequently led to ICH. Identification of potential risk, timely diagnosis and appropriate management strategies can reverse intracranial haemorrhage and prevent any serious complications of ICH in children.