Premium
PLASMAPHERESIS IN THE TREATMENT OF THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA: A REPORT OF FIVE CASES
Author(s) -
Ryan P. F. J.,
Cooper I. A.,
Firkin B. G.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1979.tb112002.x
Subject(s) - thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , plasmapheresis , medicine , etiology , exchange transfusion , pathogenesis , disease , immune system , immunology , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , platelet , antibody
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, an acute clinical disorder of uncertain aetiology, has previously been associated with almost 100% mortality. Dramatic response to exchange transfusion has been reported, and there is some evidence that a circulating immune complex may be involved in the pathogenesis. Therefore, it was decided to employ large‐volume plasma exchange by means of a continuous‐flow cell separator in the management of five patients with this disease. Three patients showed a dramatic response, which was manifested by rapid correction of the neurological deficit and of the abnormalities in laboratory findings. We conclude that the thrombotic thrombocytopenic syndrome should be regarded as an indication for emergency plasma exchange.