title: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura following transurethral resection of the prostate.
abstract: A 65-year old man developed anaemia, profound thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure 2 days after transurethral resection of the prostate. Based on the clinical picture and blood film evidence of microangiopathic haemolysis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was diagnosed. The patient was treated with a course of plasma exchange, renal replacement therapy and methylprednisolone and made a good recovery. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an uncommon cause of haematological and renal abnormalities in the postoperative period. It has a high mortality if untreated, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative patient with a low platelet count and anaemia, since prompt investigation and treatment is life-saving.
authors.affiliation: North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, UK. stevebenington@hotmail.com
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Benington
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McKillop
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Macartney
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burns
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology; D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy