Fulminant thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with the limited form of scleroderma: successful outcome using plasma exchange.
A 35-year-old woman with a 20-year history of limited scleroderma presented with a 7-day history of low grade fever associated with a red colored urine, 2 days of jaundice and lower extremity petechiae. On admission she had a rapidly deteriorating neurological status associated with thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic anemia. A diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was made and treatment begun with fresh frozen plasma, plasma exchange and pulse corticosteroids. After a stormy 28-day hospital course she was discharged without residual problems of TTP.
Cookson
S
S
Department of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
Krueger
M L
ML
Bennett
R M
RM
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones