Immune thrombocytopenia of childhood responsive to tonsillectomy in the setting of chronic tonsillitis: A case report and literature review.

Objectives: Immune thrombocytopenia of childhood (platelet count <100,000/μL) is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia in children. Patients typically present with bruising and bleeding in the setting of thrombocytopenia. Although it is usually short-lived, some cases persist and are unresponsive to treatment. This can lead to exposure to a variety of treatment regimens including immunosuppressants and splenectomy. The goal of this report is to present a case of chronic ITP of childhood that responded to tonsillectomy addressing the tonsils as a source of chronic infection and inflammation triggering ITP.

Methods: A 4-year-old male with ITP of childhood presented with enlarged tonsils and obstructive sleep apnea. History and physical were consistent with chronic tonsillitis/adenoiditis including malaise, poor oral intake, congestion, rhinorrhea, tonsil hypertrophy, and lymphadenopathy persisting despite antibiotic therapy. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy were performed.

Results: One, six, and eighteen weeks post-operatively the platelet count was 371, 215, and 205 respectively. Although at 12months two relapses had occurred, during the observed period, he had decreased incidence and severity of disease.

Conclusion: In around 60% of ITP there is a history of prior infection within the last month but no systemic symptoms at time of diagnosis. Additionally, chronic ITP is characterized by relapses coinciding with infection. This case is unique because the patient had chronic ITP and a clinical history and physical exam concerning for a subclinical, indolent inflammatory process that responded to surgical intervention. Given that chronic ITP exacerbation has been associated with recurrent acute infections it seems probable that chronic tonsillitis could serve as a trigger for relapse or contribute to a prolonged and/or more severe disease course. Therefore, tonsillectomy may result in earlier treatment and/or an altered disease course with avoidance of the expense and morbidity associated with frequent exacerbations and multiple treatment regimens.