Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: report of a case with a possible response to high-dose intravenous gamma globulin.
The case history of a 71-year-old woman with three episodes of a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia over a 22-year span is detailed. During the last episode a possible response of her thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)-like syndrome to the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin is documented. In retrospect it became apparent that she only improved in her prior episodes after receiving plasma-containing blood products. Prior case reports of TTP responses to intravenous immunoglobulin are reviewed with specific attention to the dosage used. Since a prospectively randomized series is unlikely to be reported, investigators should be encouraged to report their experience with intravenously administered gamma globulin.
Staszewski
H
H
Department of Medicine, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, N.Y.
Colbourn
D
D
Donovan
V
V
Ludman
H
H
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D005719:gamma-Globulins