Plasma Exchange and N-Acetylcysteine Therapy in a Case of Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Presenting With Acute Renal Failure

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2025 Jan 1;47(1):e65-e67. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002963. Epub 2024 Nov 20.

Abstract

Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP), which is associated with mutations in the gene for a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif member 13 (ADAMTS13), is a chronic and lifelong disease. The clinical course is variable. Regularly using ADAMTS13-containing products such as fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for long-term prophylaxis is the most important treatment to prevent thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) episodes. Here, we identified novel pathogenic mutations of ADAMTS13 in our patients who experienced severe acute renal failure. Infections can trigger acute hemolytic episodes, and if the initiation of FFP therapy is delayed, this leads to severe organ dysfunction, as in our case. We have shown that regular use of products containing ADAMTS13 can reverse TMA episodes and long-term morbidity and mortality. When severe acute renal failure occurs, daily plasma exchange and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are useful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins / genetics
  • ADAMTS13 Protein* / deficiency
  • ADAMTS13 Protein* / genetics
  • Acetylcysteine* / therapeutic use
  • Acute Kidney Injury* / etiology
  • Acute Kidney Injury* / therapy
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic* / complications
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic* / drug therapy
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic* / genetics
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic* / therapy

Substances

  • Acetylcysteine
  • ADAM Proteins
  • ADAMTS13 Protein
  • ADAMTS13 protein, human