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 Printable version |
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpurea in central Africa: a case in Togo |
Cahiers d'études et de recherches francophones / Santé . Volume 8, Number 5, 337-41, Octobre-Novembre 1998, Point de vue
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 Résumé
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Author(s) : Adama DODJI GBADOE, Kodjovi MESSIE, Dzayissè YAWO ATAKOUMA, Anna VOVOR, Komlan TATAGAN-AGBI, Komi KESSIE, Etienne VILMER, Jean KOSSI ASSIMADI |
Summary : Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpurea (ITP) is an autoimmune disease that occurs frequently in Europe and the US, but has rarely been described in Africa.
Case report. An 8-year-old girl was admitted for cutaneous and mucosal bleeding. She had a low platelet count (11 x 109/l). ITP was suspected and the diagnosis was confirmed by bone marrow examination. Corticosteroid treatment was effective.
Discussion. This is the second case reported in Togo since 1982. The diagnosis of the disease is straightforward, so the lack of cases reported in central Africa suggests that the disease is rare in this region. The rarity of the disease may be due to genetic or environmental factors, or it may simply be that physicians overlook this disease when making their diagnosis. Corticosteroids are now the preferred treatment for ITP because of the risk of transmitting Creutzfeldt-Jacob’s disease by intravenous administration of immunoglobulin. Splenectomy is the ultimate treatment for chronic forms.
Conclusion. Unlike other diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of which require methods unavailable in parts of Africa, ITP treatment, as currently practiced in countries of the northern hemisphere, is within the reach of most African countries. Further studies are required to determine the true frequency of the disease in central Africa. |
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