Abstract |
We describe our experience in the management of 11 consecutive patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura ( TTP) treated with a combined therapy of plasma exchange (PE) and steroids. Nine patients (82%) achieved complete remission (CR) after a median of 6 rounds of PE (range 2-22). There were 3 early relapses managed in the same way as the initial episode. One patient relapsed 23 months after diagnosis achieving CR with standard therapy; another patient suffered several relapses, and splenectomy was performed after the last one. Three patients died, 2 of them with resistant disease 9 and 38 days after diagnosis, and the remaining one died due to AIDS-related complications while he was in CR. Eight patients are alive in CR with a median follow-up of 38 months (range 8-74). The combination of PE and steroids is a well-tolerated and effective treatment of TTP, but improvements in therapy are needed to manage refractory patients.
|
Authors | J de la Rubia, A López, F Arriaga, A R Cid, A I Vicente, M L Marty, M A Sanz |
Journal | Acta haematologica
(Acta Haematol)
Vol. 102
Issue 1
Pg. 12-6
( 1999)
ISSN: 0001-5792 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 10473882
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Plasma Exchange
- Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic
(mortality, therapy)
- Recurrence
- Retrospective Studies
- Steroids
(therapeutic use)
- Survival Rate
|