Dengue Fever in an Adult Presenting as Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): A Case Report

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune self-limiting disorder characterized by a decreased platelet count. Usually, it affects children after viral infections. Adults often develop chronic ITP, but they can also develop ITP following viral infections, which is uncommon. A decrease in platelet synthesis from megakaryocytes and a reduction in platelet half-life appear to cause post-viral thrombocytopenia. Most clinical signs of post-viral thrombocytopenia appear towards the end of the first week of illness, but if they appear after the second week of illness, ITP development should be considered. Although thrombocytopenia is frequently associated with dengue fever, reports of ITP as a presenting symptom are less common. We describe a female patient in her forties who presented with ITP as the initial symptom of dengue fever. The patient was successfully managed with supportive care and platelet transfusions. This case highlights the importance of considering ITP as a potential complication of dengue fever and emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and appropriate management.