Hormonal contraceptive induced immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired disorder of platelets that clinically manifests with mucocutaneous bleeding. There are several causes of ITP, but its association with hormonal contraceptive implants has not been widely reported. A 39-year-old Para 10+0 7 alive presented to the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital with complaints of nasal bleeding, gum bleeding, purpura, and menorrhagia, which were noticed a month after insertion of a Levonorgestrel – containing hormonal contraceptive implant, at a Primary Healthcare facility. Complete blood count, peripheral blood film, and bone marrow aspiration cytology led to the diagnosis of ITP. Epistaxis was managed conservatively. The patient was placed on prednisolone with a noticeable increase in platelet count and remarkable improvement in the clinical state. ITP is a complication of the hormonal contraceptive implant. Clinicians should be aware of the possible association of contraceptive implants and ITP.

Keywords

• hormonal contraceptive implants
• immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• mucocutaneous bleeding
• prednisolone