Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with a subacute course: remission after steroids and high-dose plasma exchange.

Abstract

A case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with an unusual subacute course is described. Treatment was initiated after the patient had been ill for four weeks. Low-dose plasma exchange (10 ml/kg body weight per day) was associated with a sharp drop in the reticulocyte count and a transient reduction of lactate dehydrogenase activity to within the normal range. The administration of corticosteroids was followed immediately by the disappearance of neurological symptoms, and after high-dose plasma exchange (25 ml/kg body weight per day) all the symptoms of disease remitted. The remission has lasted for 10 months; we suggest that each of the therapeutic measures employed played a role.

• Authors: D Kohn, J Herman, E Flatau, O Daher, A Lev, B Dubnov
• Journal: Israel journal of medical sciences (Isr J Med Sci) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 283-5 (Apr 1981) ISSN: 0021-2180 [Print] Israel
• PMID: 7195387 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Plasma Exchange
• Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic (drug therapy, etiology, therapy)