Successful perioperative management of a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura undergoing emergent appendectomy: Report of a case.

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a low platelet count and normal bone marrow. Patients with ITP undergoing surgery are thought to have increased risk for postoperative complications because of their thrombocytopenia.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: we report the case of a 66-year-old woman with ITP who required an emergency operation for acute appendicitis associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Preoperative therapy consisted of platelet transfusions only, and intraoperative hemostasis was achieved. Postoperatively, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy led to an increased, stable, and adequate platelet count and good hemostasis.

DISCUSSION: The outcome of this case suggests that IVIg therapy is not always required for preoperative management of patients with.

CONCLUSION

IVIg therapy may be useful for postoperative management after emergency surgery.