title: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with primary tuberculosis.
abstract: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) during infectious diseases is a known, but rare event. In this paper a case of TTP associated with primary infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is described. Various therapeutic approaches were used with the patient: fresh frozen plasma infusions and plasma exchange, specific anti-tuberculous therapy, anti-platelet drugs and steroids. A complete remission occurred 3 months after the onset of the acute disease. A hypothesis on the pathogenesis of TTP might be an increased pro-coagulant activity of interleukin 1 (IL-1) on endothelial cells.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Immunoematologia e Transfusione, Policlinico S. Orsola, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Toscano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bontadini
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Falsone
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Conte
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fois
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fabiani
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Mariano
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016913:Blood Component Transfusion; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors