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Mitomycin‐C‐Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Author(s) -
Crosara Sandra LR,
Qumari Sunita,
Wall Geoffrey C,
Belz Mark M
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2013.tb00259.x
Subject(s) - medicine , mitomycin c , thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , plasmapheresis , gastroenterology , surgery , thrombotic microangiopathy , rituximab , platelet , lymphoma , immunology , disease , antibody
Background Although mitomycin‐C has been supplanted by other chemotherapeutic drugs, it is still the drug of choice for anus squamous cell carcinoma. Mitomycin‐C has rarely been reported to cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with or without haemolytic uraemic syndrome (TTP/HUS). Aim To report a case of probable mitomycin‐C‐induced TTP with associated acute renal failure and severe hypertension. Clinical details A 60‐year‐old Caucasian female was diagnosed with anus squamous cell carcinoma and started on mitomycin‐C, fluorouracil and targeted radiation therapy. After completing this regimen, the patient developed acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia and hypertension. Kidney biopsy revealed diffuse endocapillary cell proliferation and one glomerulus contained multiple hyaline thrombi with basement membrane double contours. Focal subendothelial and intramural fragmented erythrocytes were present; all of which suggested TTP. The patient was started on high‐dose corticosteroids followed by plasmapheresis. Outcomes The patient's blood pressure, and platelets returned to baseline levels, while her renal function improved partially. Conclusion TTP is a rare but serious adverse effect associated with mitomycin‐C. Discontinuing mitomycin‐C does not resolve TTP; a variety of treatments are required, such as corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, chemotherapeutic drugs and rituximab.