Case report reveals paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria mimicking immune thrombocytopenia in an elderly patient, highlighting diagnostic challenges and treatment with eculizumab.
Key Points
To illustrate the diagnostic challenges faced in identifying paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, especially in older adults with autoimmune conditions.
Descriptive case report of an elderly patient with overlapping autoimmune diseases presenting with thrombocytopenia.
Comprehensive laboratory assessments including bone marrow biopsy and flow cytometry analysis.
Evaluation for hemolysis through haptoglobin and LDH levels, alongside physician-directed therapies.
Patient diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria after initial misdiagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia.
Significant improvement in platelet count and normalization of LDH levels post-treatment with eculizumab.
Sustained hematologic response and improved quality of life reported at six-month follow-up.