How I approach a thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura patient.
In the past few years, advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has made great strides; however, this has yet to significantly impact the clinical care of patients. Although the use of daily plasma exchange is evidence-based and well established, many of the facets of clinical care remain largely empiric. Our laboratory has had a sustained interest in studying and optimizing the use of plasma exchange in TTP patients. This article presents a summary of how our clinical service approaches TTP patients and manages commonly occurring problems.
Brecher
Mark E
ME
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA. brecher@med.unc.edu