Successful management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a Jehovah's Witness without plasma exchange.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a hematologic emergency characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Plasma exchange is the standard treatment. Treating TTP without plasma exchange is a challenge. Due to religious beliefs, Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept transfusions of blood products. We report a case of successful treatment of TTP in a Jehovah's Witness using plasma exchange with albumin replacement.
Department of Internal Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts.
Wanxing
W
Chai
Abrar
A
Chaudhry
Arthur P
AP
Rabinowitz
D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood; D000071120:ADAMTS13 Protein; D000328:Adult; D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019468:Disease Management; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage; D033221:Jehovah's Witnesses; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000379:methods*; D010976:Platelet Count; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069283:Rituximab / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000418:Albumins; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000069283:Rituximab; D014750:Vincristine; D003907:Dexamethasone; D051722:ADAM Proteins; D000071120:ADAMTS13 Protein; C099604:ADAMTS13 protein, human
Jehovah's Witness; corticosteroid; plasma-free exchange; rituximab; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura