An Unusual Syndrome of Hemolytic Anemia, Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Renal Disease

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a recurrent illness which occurred in a child and consisted of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and a renal disease clinically resembling acute glomerulonephritis. The hemolytic process was characterized by unusual red cell morphology together with evidence of an extracorpuscular hemolytic mechanism. Acute respiratory infections appeared to be related to exacerbations of the disease. Splenectomy failed to prevent recurrence of the hematologic abnormalities, and cortisone did not appear to influence the course of one typical episode of illness. It is the authors’ opinion that this syndrome represents a form of "hypersensitivity" and may be related to the syndrome of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.