title: Chronic relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura successfully treated with rituximab: case report.
abstract: Plasma therapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of idiopathic Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP); however about one-third of patients relapse. In this subset of patients different immunosuppressive approaches have been reported with variable efficacy. We describe the case of an 11-year-long chronic relapsing TTP, requiring frequent plasma exchange procedures and treated unsuccessfully with several immunosuppressive agents. On the occasion of a further relapse, the patient was treated with rituximab, and achieved normalization of hematological values and clinical status for about one year. Upon further relapse, rituximab therapy was started again successfully. A monthly administration was performed with the aim of maintaining the clinical and hematological response stable. In conclusion, rituximab is a safe and effective alternative to other immunosuppressive therapies for chronic relapsing TTP patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, University of Florence, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gianfaldoni
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Antonioli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mannelli
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Vannucchi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bosi
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D000069283:Rituximab; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000069283:Rituximab