Anemia is a clinical symptom caused by the disruption of erythrocyte formation, bleeding, and premature blood hemolysis. Severe anemia can occur in patients taking dapsone for the treatment of leprosy. Long-term use of steroids is also a predisposing factor for the occurrence of hematological changes and raises the suspicion of Cushing's syndrome. Reportedly a 20-year-old woman with the main complaint of sudden shortness of breath, accompanied by a cough with phlegm. The patient has had a history of multibacillary type leprosy since a month ago. There was a history of steroid consumption for about two years and only stopped a couple of months ago. Physical examination showed the oxygen saturation was 93%, conjunctival anemia, hyperpigmented plaques, tenderness in the abdominal, meteorism, and pitting edema in the upper and lower extremities. Laboratory examination revealed hemoglobin (Hb) level 2.4 mg/dl, erythrocytes 0.8x106/ul, and albumin 3.2g/dl. Peripheral blood smear results suggest refractory anemia and myelodysplasia syndrome. After being treated for seven days, the patient was re-evaluated and controlled at the Internal Medicine outpatient clinic, Syekh Yusuf Hospital. Complex symptoms and limited investigations make it difficult to establish the exact cause. Immediate blood transfusion and management of the underlying disease causing anemia, such as discontinuation of dapsone, are the primary management of this case. Keywords : severe anemia, leprosy, steroid, Cushing syndrome.Correspondence : gedepadmawijaya@yahoo.com
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.