title: Long-lasting remission after high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins in a case of relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
abstract: Long-lasting remission after high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins in a case of relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is reported. The patient had two early relapses after intensive plasma-exchange therapy. Serum platelet aggregating factor was absent. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (i.v. Ig) (0.4 g/Kg/day for 5 days) were infused. Platelet count promptly rose and 7 days after the completion of immunoglobulins complete response was obtained. The patient is still in complete remission, without further Ig infusion, 19 months later. This case adds to the anecdotal reports on the effectiveness of Ig, even when not associated with other treatments, in TTP. High-dose i.v. Ig could be successfully used in relapsing or unresponsive patients with TTP.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Ematologia, Centro Emofilia e Trombosi, Ospedale San Bortolo, Vicenza, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Castaman
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodeghiero
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruggeri
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: di Bona
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dini
mesh_terms: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction
chemical_list: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor