OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical course and treatment response of a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) after a month of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and immunosuppressive agents and to review related published literature regarding TTP and its response to TPE and immunosuppressive agents.
CASE AND DISCUSSION: A 64-year-old female presented with fever, bicytopenia, change in sensorium, and seizure of one day duration. Metabolic panel showed normal electrolytes with normal brain imaging. Hematologic work-up showed anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis with normal differential count. Reticulocyte was elevated. Peripheral smear showed significant schistocytes with nucleated red blood cells and marked thrombocytopenia. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was the initial consideration with the fulfilment of four out of the pentad of TTP, namely: microangiopathichaemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever and neurologic symptoms. Therapeutic plasma exchange was immediately initiated with daily platelet count and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) determination to assess response. However, despite daily plasma exchanges and continuous plasma infusion, there was inadequate response. In this light, immunosuppressive agents were started in the following order: high dose methylprednisolone, weekly rituximab and intravenous cyclophosphamide. On the 31st hospital day, after daily TPE and combined immunosuppression, she achieved complete response with a platelet count of 170 X 109/L to 250 X 109/L (baseline-14 X 109/L) and LDH 227U/L (baseline-1,191 U/L).
CONCLUSION: This study presented a challenging case of TTP which was successfully treated with the standard of care together with the available adjunctive treatment options.