Premium
Treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura by exchange transfusion
Author(s) -
Pisciotta Anthony V.,
Garthwaite Thomas,
Darin Joseph,
Aster Richard H.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.2830030109
Subject(s) - medicine , splenectomy , thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , exchange transfusion , transfusion therapy , platelet transfusion , platelet , heparin , coagulopathy , purpura (gastropod) , blood transfusion , surgery , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , spleen , ecology , biology
Abstract Three successive patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) were treated by exchange transfusion on a total of 5 occasions in addition to receiving more conventional therapy such as corticosteroids, platelet inhibitors, heparin, and splenectomy. Dramatic relief of symptoms and objective improvement in hematologic values occurred within 24 hours of each exchange. One patient subsequently died of complications resulting from a massive hemorrhage, but in hematologic remission. The remaining 2 are now apparently well. These observations appear to confirm recent reports of a beneficial effect of exchange transfusion in TTP. Although the reason for its effectiveness is not yet known, exchange transfusion may be a highly useful adjunct in the treatment of this disorder and further evaluation of this form of therapy appears warranted.