Eczema associated with thrombocytopenic purpura and purulent otitis media; report of five fatal cases.

Abstract

The case histories of five male children, who had eczema, thrombocytopenic purpura, and purulent otitis media terminating with death, are reported. Four of the group lived about 2 years, one survived for 7½ years. The role of allergy, infection, drug therapy including steroid hormones, and splenectomy is discussed. In three of the group a family history of this symptom complex is compatible with a sex-linked recessive character as was true in Aldrich9s case. The hereditary pattern and the combination of symptoms differentiate these patients from the majority of children with either eczema or purpura.