title: Plasmapheresis with exchange as primary treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
abstract: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an uncommon disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever and renal and neurologic dysfunction. As a result of the availability of plasmapheresis, we can report the results of 5 patients treated with plasmapheresis and exchange transfusion who also received intravenous corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy. Our 5 patients had a mean age of 41 years, and presented with a mean platelet count of 39 x 10(9)/L. Four of the 5 patients responded to treatment and were discharged in excellent condition. The 5th patient succumbed to her disease. We concluded that plasmapheresis with exchange transfusion is a rapid and effective therapy for TTP.
authors.affiliation: John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Dayoan
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nakamura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011174:Portugal / Q000208:ethnology; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000628:therapy*