THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA AS THE CAUSE OF DEATH IN AN HIV-POSITIVE CHILD

A case of fatal thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in a pediatr ic patient with HIV infection is reported. The diagnosis was made at a utopsy based on the presence of platelet microthrombi in multiple orga ns, including the cardiac conduction system. The disease presented aty pically with hemorrhagic manifestations, thrombocytopenia, and hemolyt ic anemia, without significant accompanying neurologic and renal abnor malities. Autoimmune-based thrombocytopenia has been well documented i n the presence of HIV infection in both the adult and the pediatric po pulation. We believe this to be the first reported case of TTP in an H IV-positive child.