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Differential Diagnosis for Fever with Thrombocytopenia

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Infections (e.g., Dengue Fever, Ebola): These infections are common causes of fever and thrombocytopenia due to the virus's effect on the bone marrow and the immune system's response.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Bacterial Sepsis: Sepsis can cause thrombocytopenia due to consumption of platelets and activation of the coagulation cascade.
  • Malaria: Certain species of Plasmodium can cause thrombocytopenia, and the disease is characterized by recurrent fevers.
  • Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (e.g., Lassa Fever, Marburg): Similar to dengue fever, these viruses can cause thrombocytopenia and fever.
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): A condition characterized by both clotting and bleeding, often resulting in thrombocytopenia and fever.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A rare disorder of the blood-coagulation system, causing extensive microscopic thrombi to form in the smallest blood vessels throughout the body, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
  • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Similar to TTP, HUS is characterized by the triad of hemolytic anemia, acute kidney injury, and thrombocytopenia, often following a bacterial infection.
  • Severe Meningococcemia: Can cause thrombocytopenia, fever, and a rash, and is life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Hantavirus: Can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), both of which can present with thrombocytopenia and fever.
  • Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis: Tick-borne illnesses that can cause fever, thrombocytopenia, and other systemic symptoms.
  • Relapsing Fever (Borrelia): Caused by Borrelia species, transmitted by ticks or lice, and characterized by recurring episodes of fever, which can be accompanied by thrombocytopenia.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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