Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura of Children in Black Africa: Two New Observations in Togo

Abstract

Gbadoé AD, Guédéhoussou T, Dossou CF, Guédénon KM and Fiawoo M

Introduction: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an auto immunedisorder that is very common in Europe and the USA but ispoorlydescribed in black Africa.

Observations: K.A., boy of 5 years 7 months was admitted in 2012 for post-varicella acute ITP with a hemorrhagic syndrome associated with severe isolated thrombocytopenia at 7,000 platelets / mm3. S.D. is a boy of 3 years 8 months admitted in 2015 for ITP which history is marked by a delay in diagnosis despite several consultations. In both cases, complete remission was obtained under prednisone.

Discussion: Recently, the rarity of ITP has also been highlighted in the USA in the black race. The probable reasons given were genetic factors, a sub-diagnosis due to the discrimination of the blacks in the accessibility to healthcare, a relative discretion of the petechi as which can go unnoticed on black skin, but also the ignorance of the affection by the practitioners in Togo.

Conclusion: ITP is poorly known and poorly reported in Black Africa. The establishment of an ITP registry may increase its knowledge and impact.

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