Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura complicating chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with interferon-alpha. A report of two successfully treated patients.
Two patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia are described in whom thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) developed following treatment by interferon-alpha. In one of the patients, a lymphoblastic transformation was diagnosed concomitantly. Prompt institution of plasmapheresis, steroids and vincristine resulted in complete resolution. In the hitherto reported case of TTP complicating interferon-alpha treated chronic myelogenous leukemia, the course was fatal.
Rachmani
R
R
Department of Medicine D, Meir Hospital, Kfar-Saba, Israel. ritam@netvision.net.il
Avigdor
A
A
Youkla
M
M
Raanani
P
P
Zilber
M
M
Ravid
M
M
Ben-Bassat
I
I
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome