CRP and Thrombocytopenia: Initial assessment showed (Table 1) a complete blood count with severe thrombocytopenia (3x10^9/L), normocytic/normochromic anemia, a hemoglobin value of 11.4 g/dL, and no changes in white cell count; an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 72 mm/h; elevated C-reactive protein (3.05 mg/dL); and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of 331 U/L.