Successful treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with repeated plasma exchange in a patient with microscopic polyangitis

Mod Rheumatol. 2008;18(6):643-6. doi: 10.1007/s10165-008-0107-3. Epub 2008 Sep 2.

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is in rare cases associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, and often has a fatal outcome. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman with microscopic polyangitis (MPA) presenting with TTP. Rapidly progressive renal dysfunction and paralysis and sensory disturbance of the left lower limb were noted. Serum creatinine was 3.95 mg/dl, and the titer of myeloperoxidase-ANCA was 238 EU. She was diagnosed with MPA, and high-dose methylprednisolone was initiated, followed by 60 mg/day of prednisolone. Hemolytic anemia with red blood cell fragmentation, purpura, and thrombocytopenia developed during the course of active MPA. The activity of disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs 13 (ADAMTS13) was moderately decreased (27%). She was diagnosed with TTP, and plasma infusion was initiated, followed by plasma exchange (PE) with 40 units of fresh frozen plasma. Thrombocytopenia continued for more than a month (5-10x10(4)/microl). PE was repeatedly performed two or three times a week during the first 8 weeks from the beginning of PE in addition to prednisolone. Her clinical and laboratory findings gradually improved, and ADAMTS13 activity increased to 68%. The findings in this case suggested that ANCA-associated vasculitis may be involved in the development and the pathogenesis of TTP, and that repeated PE may need to be performed in addition to immunosuppressive therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / complications
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / pathology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy*
  • Vasculitis / etiology
  • Vasculitis / pathology
  • Vasculitis / therapy*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Methylprednisolone