Summary of a case of acute ITP in an elderly female

Hi all. I was a frequent lurker on this board about 1.5 years ago when my mom was diagnosed with acute ITP. The information on this board was extremely relevant and detailed, so thank you to everyone for the information you post. Going through some paperwork today it occurred to me that some might find her story interesting. I’ll give the basics and if anyone has interest, I can follow up with specifics.

78 year old woman was diagnosed with MDS (del 5q). Started on a course of treatment with Revlimid. Prior to starting Revlimid, her most recent platelet count was 294. She was on this medication for just over 1 month when she went to Hematologist after noticing petechiae. Was sent immediately to the hospital with platelet count of 0. Received 4 bags of platelets and next day platelet count was 5. Dropped to 3 the following day. IVIG, more platelet bags, Prednisone (and Xanax). Bone marrow biopsy to see if anything with MDS had worsened or morphed into leukemia or something else (it hadn’t). After 9 days in the hospital, she was released with a platelet count of 26. Her count the next day was 105, which dipped to 56 a few days later, then climbed back up to the 100’s and beyond where it has been ever since. She tapered down the Prednisone within two (or three?) months with no ill effects. It was an extremely intense time, but wanted to share her experience in case I can be of help to anyone.

That's great, MaryAnn! I'm glad it worked out so well. Thank you for telling us, it's a good reminder that acute cases do happen.