H. Vanhouteghem PharmD

An unusual mononucleosis infectiosa-like illness caused by toxoplasmosis in a B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patient

The differential diagnosis of mononucleosis infectiosa (Ml)-like illness can be challenging since several infectious causes have been identified to date. The most common associated pathogen is Epstein-Barr virus, followed by cytomegalovirus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and human herpesvirus-6. Ml-like illness is rather rarely caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that is transmitted through consumption of undercooked food or contact with faeces from infected cats. In this case report, we discuss a B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patient with a Ml-like illness caused by toxoplasmosis.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2019;10(3):122–6)

Read more

Immune-mediated early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia: a double case presentation

Summary

Neonatal thrombocytopenia comprises a platelet count of less than 150×10⁹/L, with severe neonatal thrombocytopenia in case of a platelet count less than 50×10⁹/L. Severe thrombocytopenia is an uncommon finding in newborns requiring immediate diagnostic work-up with the need for urgent intervention to avoid severe bleeding complications. Neonatal thrombocytopenia can be classified by time of onset in early-onset (<72h after birth) versus late-onset (>72h after birth) thrombocytopenia. Multiple causes may be involved. In term, otherwise healthy neonates, one important cause of early-onset thrombocytopenia is antibody-mediated platelet destruction, and this can be allo- or auto-immune-mediated. In this case presentation, we discuss two neonates with severe early-onset immune-mediated thrombocytopenia presenting simultaneously at our general hospital.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2016;7(5):188–93)

Read more

P4.08 Two cases of immune-mediated early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia: a case presentation

Read more