title: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with rapidly progressive lupus nephritis: report of two cases.
abstract: There are a few reported cases in the literature of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We describe two cases of TTP which have been presented during rapidly progressive lupus nephritis, with grand-mal seizures, thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Both cases were treated with hemodialysis, plasma exchange, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and intravenous gamma-globulin. In both cases the TTP was improved but not the renal function. Further experience is needed to determine whether intensive and prompt treatment with plasma exchange, corticosteroids and chemotherapy leads to a favorable outcome, in cases of TTP associated with SLE.
authors.affiliation: First Medical Department, University Hospital AHEPA, Greece. renunit@med.auth.gr
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kapoulas
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liakos
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karkavelas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ageloudi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grekas
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giannoulis
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000379:methods; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide