RESUMEN
Severe immune thrombocytopenia is a rare side-effect of rifampicin (RFP) and can be life-threatening. Here, we report the case of a 74-year-old male with tuberculous pleurisy who developed severe thrombocytopenia after first exposure to RFP. Platelet count decreased to 1 × 103/µL after 7 days of treatment with RFP, isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. After all the drugs were discontinued, the platelet count recovered. As thrombocytopenia did not occur after re-administration of drugs other than RFP, the patient was diagnosed with RFP-induced thrombocytopenia. Clinicians should be aware that RFP can induce acute and severe thrombocytopenia even without previous exposure to this drug.
RESUMEN
RATIONALE: The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and eosinophilic inflammation is unclear. According to recent studies, it has been suggested that T helper 2 cell responses play a role in the inhibition of RA. It is unclear how the immunological response after coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccination affects T cell immune reactions. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: Here, we report the case of an 88-year-old woman diagnosed with RA and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP). She was diagnosed with CEP about 20 years ago, and, through steroid treatment, she improved and had no relapse for 16 years. At the time of diagnosis of CEP, the rheumatoid factor (RF) was increased; however, there were no joint symptoms. After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, joint and respiratory symptoms gradually worsened. Laboratory examinations showed increased RF, anti-cyclin citrullinated peptide antibody, and peripheral absolute eosinophil count. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography showed synovitis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Methylprednisolone pulse therapy improved respiratory and joint symptoms immediately; RA and CEP stabilized with no relapses. LESSONS: Eosinophilic and rheumatoid reactions following COVID-19 vaccination were an-reported adverse events. Eosinophilic inflammation might be reflected on an anti-inflammatory reaction in initial phase of RA.
