Is There a Correlation Between Immune Thrombocytopenia and Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease?

J Hematol. 2024 Aug;13(4):174-177. doi: 10.14740/jh1260. Epub 2024 Aug 15.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated condition causing organ swelling and fibrosis. Rarely, it coexists with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), characterized by low platelet count (< 100 × 106/L) without an underlying cause. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman diagnosed with ITP in 2005, successfully treated with dexamethasone and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). In 2011, she was diagnosed with IgG4-RD, type I autoimmune pancreatitis, initially treated with steroids then azathioprine with no response. ITP relapses were managed with prednisone/IVIG, rituximab, and thrombopoietin-receptor agonist therapy. Fostamatinib provided temporary relief, but platelet count dropped again in 2023. Combination therapy with small doses of prednisone and mycophenolate showed a partial response, maintaining platelet count over 50 × 106/L. Further investigation is warranted to explore any correlation between these two conditions, especially considering the patient's prolonged response to immunosuppressors.

Keywords: IGG4-RD; ITP; Immunosuppressor; TPO-RA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

None to declare.