[Immune thrombocytopenic purpura associated to hepatitis C virus infection: report of one case].

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a cause of secondary chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report a 43 year old man with mild Hemophilia A, who received blood transfusions during childhood, that consulted for epistaxis and ecchymoses. The laboratory showed a platelet count of 23.000/mm³, positive HCV serology and elevated transaminases. Steroids administered in pulses followed by oral doses resulted in a partial response requiring a second pulse and association of azathioprine. A steroidal diabetes appeared. Given his refractoriness, splenectomy and liver biopsy were performed. He continued on azathioprine maintaining a platelet count near 50.000/mm³ but continued with bleeding episodes. Liver biopsy showed a chronic active hepatitis.