Immune thrombocytopenic purpura presenting in a patient after renal transplant for diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is primarily characterized by immune-mediated destruction of platelets in circulation. Major treatment options range from careful observation, steroids, immunosuppressive medications, immunoglobulins to splenectomy. Interestingly and rarely, ITP has also been reported after solid organ transplantation in patients receiving immunosuppressive medications. While the incidence of new onset ITP after solid organ transplant is comparatively well documented, new onset ITP after renal transplant has only been reported in two patients. Both these patients underwent renal transplant for underlying Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) nephropathy and were treated effectively with steroids. We present successful management of the first reported case of new-onset ITP presenting after renal transplant in a patient with underlying diabetic nephropathy. The case report discusses the potential management strategies in such a novel scenario aiming simultaneously for a well-functioning renal graft, adequate hemostasis, minimum therapy- related morbidity and least cost implications for the patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old male with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM), complicated by nephropathy and retinopathy, underwent pre-emptive living related renal transplant by donation from his 33-year-old wife. His immediate post-transplant period was unremarkable. Six months after the transplant, he presented with isolated thrombocytopenia. An extensive workup revealed no clinical or laboratory evidence of unusual substance intake, infection, hemolysis, microangiopathy, autoimmune disease or hematological malignancy. Eight months after the transplant, while the patient was maintained on steroids, cellcept and tacrolimus, his platelet count dipped to 13,000/microL and he had an episode of mild epistaxis. He was administered steroids in line with the adult ITP management protocol. Steroids were well tolerated, and platelet counts showed a good response to therapy. Steroids were then successfully tapered over the next ten weeks with steady and acceptable platelet counts and graft function. CONCLUSIONS: The case report discusses the diagnostic considerations and successful management of new-onset post-renal transplant ITP. It also highlights the various therapeutic options available in the medical armamentarium including shuffling of immunosuppressive drugs, rituximab, thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO’s) and splenectomy for their potential use in complicated scenarios like relapsing, or steroid-refractory post renal transplant ITP.