Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Moving Target

Hematology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 (1) ◽  
pp. 415-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Evan Sadler

Abstract Almost 80 years after Eli Moschcowitz published the first description of the disease, most patients with idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) were found to have acquired autoantibody inhibitors of the ADAMTS13 metalloprotease. Plasma ADAMTS13 normally cleaves von Willebrand factor within nascent platelet-rich thrombi, and ADAMTS13 deficiency allows unchecked thrombus growth to cause microangiopathic hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and tissue infarction. At present, ADAMTS13 deficiency with a high-titer inhibitor level appears to be associated with an increased risk of early death and subsequent relapse. Thus, acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency identifies a specific mechanism of TTP and is a potential biomarker of disease activity or risk. At present, two major clinical questions in the field may be summarized as follows. First, by emphasizing TTP caused by ADAMTS13 deficiency, are we in danger of neglecting other causes that should be treated with plasma exchange? Second, should we treat asymptomatic patients who have severe ADAMTS13 deficiency to prevent future disease, and if so, how?

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2229-2229
Author(s):  
Ygal Benhamou ◽  
Cyrielle Assie ◽  
Pierre-Yves Boelle ◽  
Marc Buffer ◽  
Rana Grillberger ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2229 Background: Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is still associated with a 10–20% death rate, which did not significantly improve for more than 20 years despite a better awareness about this diagnosis. Usually, death occurs within the first days of management and so far, early prognostic factors of death could not be clearly identified. In this context, the accurate understanding of factors associated with a fatal outcome at the acute phase of the disease would help to better tailor initial treatment and further improve these results. Objective: To identify prognostic factors associated with 1-month death in TTP patients with acquired severe (< 10% of normal activity) ADAMTS13 deficiency. Design: Prospective national cohort of adult (≥ 18 year-old) patients included between October, 2000, and December, 2008. A validation cohort of patients was set up from January, 2009 to March, 2010. Participants: 248 (analysis cohort) and 39 (validation cohort) consecutive adult TTP patients with acquired severe ADAMTS13 deficiency from 39 French centers. Measurements: 30-day mortality after treatment initiation according to characteristics at inclusion. Results: When compared to survivors, non-survivors (11%) were older (54.0 ± 19.4 versus 39.0 ± 15.5 year-old, respectively, P <.001) and had more frequently a past history of arterial hypertension (37% versus 10%, respectively, P <.001) and ischemic heart disease (19% versus 4%, respectively, P =.002). Prognosis was increasingly poor with age (p <.004), particularly in patients ≥ 60 year-old. On presentation, cerebral manifestations were more frequent in non-survivors (81% versus 55%, respectively, P =.009) and serum creatinine level was higher (172 ± 123 versus 117 ± 91 μmol/L, respectively, P =.037). Death occurred after a few days (mean 7 days, interquartile range = [3, 12]), in a context of one or multiple organ failure in relation with an uncontrolled TTP. Platelet count between diagnosis and death did not significantly increase (20 ± 25×109/L versus 28 ± 46×109/L, respectively, P =.44). The most significant independent variables for determining death were age (P <.001), cerebral involvement (stupor and seizure) and LDH level > 10 times normal value (P <.04 for both). After computing the risk scores using these 3 variables (Table), patients were stratified into 3 distinctive risk groups regarding death: low, 0 and 1; intermediate, 2; and high, 3 and 4. The proportion of positive predictive value for 30-day death was 11–13% in the low risk group, 20% in the intermediate group, and 39–50% in the high risk group. This score was confirmed in the validation cohort using these variables, with higher values corresponding to increased risk of early death (P <.01). Conclusions: A risk score for early death was defined in patients with TTP and validated on an independent cohort. This score should help to stratify early treatment and intensify patients with a worse prognosis. Importantly, we provide clear evidence that age is an important prognostic factor of TTP. Consequently, old patients with a diagnosis of TTP should benefit from more intensive supportive care and should be monitored more closely in intensive care units with more aggressive attention to cardiac and renal function. Disclosures: Rottensteiner: Baxter Innovations GmbH: Employment.


Hematology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 (1) ◽  
pp. 539-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Dane ◽  
Shruti Chaturvedi

Abstract The advent of plasma exchange has dramatically changed the prognosis of acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Recent insights into TTP pathogenesis have led to the development of novel therapies targeting pathogenic anti-ADAMTS13 antibody production, von Willebrand factor (VWF)–platelet interactions, and ADAMTS13 replacement. Retrospective and prospective studies have established the efficacy of rituximab as an adjunct to plasma exchange for patients with acute TTP, either upfront or for refractory disease. Relapse prevention is a major concern for survivors of acute TTP, and emerging data support the prophylactic use of rituximab in patients with persistent or recurrent ADAMTS13 deficiency in clinical remission. Capalcizumab, a nanobody directed against domain A1 of VWF that prevents the formation of VWF–platelet aggregates, recently completed phase 2 (TITAN) and 3 (HERCULES) trials with encouraging results. Compared with placebo, caplacizumab shortened the time to platelet recovery and may protect against microthrombotic tissue injury in the acute phase of TTP, though it does not modify the underlying immune response. Other promising therapies including plasma cell inhibitors (bortezomib), recombinant ADAMTS13, N-acetyl cysteine, and inhibitors of the VWF–glycoprotein Ib/IX interaction (anfibatide) are in development, and several of these agents are in prospective clinical studies to evaluate their efficacy and role in TTP. In the coming years, we are optimistic that novel therapies and international collaborative efforts will usher in even more effective, evidence-based approaches to address refractory acute TTP and relapse prevention.


2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 219-227
Author(s):  
Haifeng M. Wu ◽  
Spero R. Cataland ◽  
Michael Bissell ◽  
Ming Jin

Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time Of Flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is characterized by integration of mass spectrometry with surface chemistry, which gives rise to rapid purification and subsequent determination of protein/peptide analytes. There are several surface matrices, named proteinChips, available for analyzing a particular analyte or a subset of biomolecules in biological samples. Each proteinChip has a unique surface property suitable for fractionation of a specific group of molecules. This article demonstrates the application of SELDI-TOF for the analysis of a cleaved peptide (Mr7739 daltons) from von Willebrand Factor by a metalloproteinase, ADAMTS13. Deficiency of ADAMTS13 is a known primary risk factor for the devastating hematological disorder, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Rapid determination of ADAMTS13 activity helps clinicians tremendously in making the correct diagnosis and initiating timely therapy. Most patients with TTP are acquired cases who exhibit a production of autoimmune antibodies against ADAMTS13 protease. TTP's clinical course is critically controlled by the autoantibody's ability to inhibit ADAMTS13 function. Thus, a second SELDI-TOF based test has been devised to measure ADAMTS13 autoantibody activity for the evaluation of TTP disease activity. In conclusion, the unique features of SELDI-TOF which allow for the examination of the role of key proteases in disease processes have opened up new doors for the clinical application of mass spectrometer based techniques.


Blood ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (10) ◽  
pp. 1181-1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Evan Sadler

Abstract The discovery of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) revolutionized our approach to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Inherited or acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency allows the unrestrained growth of microthrombi that are composed of von Willebrand factor and platelets, which account for the thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, schistocytes, and tissue injury that characterize TTP. Most patients with acquired TTP respond to a combination of plasma exchange and rituximab, but some die or acquire irreversible neurological deficits before they can respond, and relapses can occur unpredictably. However, knowledge of the pathophysiology of TTP has inspired new ways to prevent early deaths by targeting autoantibody production, replenishing ADAMTS13, and blocking microvascular thrombosis despite persistent ADAMTS13 deficiency. In addition, monitoring ADAMTS13 has the potential to identify patients who are at risk of relapse in time for preventive therapy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (08) ◽  
pp. 297-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilaria Mancini ◽  
Carla Valsecchi ◽  
Luca Lotta ◽  
Louis Deforche ◽  
Silvia Pontiggia ◽  
...  

SummaryCollagen-binding activity (CBA) and FRETS-VWF73 assays are widely adopted methods for the measurement of the plasmatic activity of ADAMTS13, the von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving-protease. Accurately assessing the severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 is important in the management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, non-concordant results between the two assays have been reported in a small but relevant percentage of TTP cases. We investigated whether CBA or FRETS-VWF73 assay reflects ADAMTS13 proteolytic activity in acquired TTP patients with non-concordant measurements. Twenty plasma samples with non-concordant ADAMTS13 activity results, <10% using FRETS-VWF73 and ≥20% using CBA, and 11 samples with concordant results, <10% using either FRETS-VWF73 and CBA assays, were analysed. FRETS-VWF73 was performed in the presence of 1.5 M urea. ADAMTS13 activities were also measured under flow conditions and the VWF multimer pattern was defined in order to verify the presence of ultra-large VWF due to ADAMTS13 deficiency. In FRETS-VWF73 assay with 1.5 M urea, ADAMTS13 activity significantly increased in roughly 50% of the samples with non-concordant results, whereas it remained undetectable in all samples with concordant measurements. Under flow conditions, all tested samples showed reduced ADAMTS13 activity. Finally, samples with non-concordant results showed a ratio of high molecular weight VWF multimers higher than normal. Our results support the use of FRETS-VWF73 over CBA assay for the assessment of ADAMTS13 severe deficiency and indicate urea as one cause of the observed differences.


Blood ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 778-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Remuzzi ◽  
Miriam Galbusera ◽  
Marina Noris ◽  
Maria Teresa Canciani ◽  
Erica Daina ◽  
...  

Abstract Whether measurement of ADAMTS13 activity may enable physicians to distinguish thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is still a controversial issue. Our aim was to clarify whether patients with normal or deficient ADAMTS13 activity could be distinguished in terms of disease manifestations and multimeric patterns of plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF). ADAMTS13 activity, VWF antigen, and multimeric pattern were evaluated in patients with recurrent and familial TTP (n = 20) and HUS (n = 29). Results of the collagen-binding assay of ADAMTS13 activity were confirmed in selected samples by testing the capacity of plasma to cleave recombinant VWF A1-A2-A3. Most patients with TTP had complete or partial deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity during the acute phase, and in some the defect persisted at remission. However, complete ADAMTS13 deficiency was also found in 5 of 9 patients with HUS during the acute phase and in 5 patients during remission. HUS patients with ADAMTS13 deficiency could not be distinguished clinically from those with normal ADAMTS13. In a subgroup of patients with TTP or HUS, the ADAMTS13 defect was inherited, as documented by half-normal levels of ADAMTS13 in their asymptomatic parents, consistent with the heterozygous carrier state. In patients with TTP and HUS there was indirect evidence of increased VWF fragmentation, and this occurred also in patients with ADAMTS13 deficiency. In conclusion, deficient ADAMTS13 activity does not distinguish TTP from HUS, at least in the recurrent and familial forms, and it is not the only determinant of VWF abnormalities in these conditions.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Evan Sadler

Abstract Discoveries during the past decade have revolutionized our understanding of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Most cases in adults are caused by acquired autoantibodies that inhibit ADAMTS13, a metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor within nascent platelet-rich thrombi to prevent hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and tissue infarction. Although approximately 80% of patients respond to plasma exchange, which removes autoantibody and replenishes ADAMTS13, one third to one half of survivors develop refractory or relapsing disease. Intensive immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab appears to be effective as salvage therapy, and ongoing clinical trials should determine whether adjuvant rituximab with plasma exchange also is beneficial at first diagnosis. A major unanswered question is whether plasma exchange is effective for the subset of patients with idiopathic TTP who do not have severe ADAMTS13 deficiency.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 103 (11) ◽  
pp. 4043-4049 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Long Zheng ◽  
Richard M. Kaufman ◽  
Lawrence T. Goodnough ◽  
J. Evan Sadler

Abstract Therapeutic plasma exchange is an effective empiric treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), but how therapy affects the level of adisintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) or inhibitor has not been reported in many patients. We prospectively analyzed ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor levels in 37 adults with TTP. ADAMTS13 level at presentation was lower than 5% in 16 of 20 patients with idiopathic TTP and in none of 17 patients with TTP associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cancer, drugs, or pregnancy (P &lt; .00001). Seven of the 16 patients with ADAMTS13 activity lower than 5% (≈ 44%) had inhibitors. For 8 patients followed serially with ADAMTS13 activity lower than 5% but no inhibitor at presentation, plasma exchange led to complete clinical remission and a rise in ADAMTS13 level. In contrast, 4 patients with low ADAMTS13 activity but high-titer inhibitor (&gt; 5 units/mL) had neither a rise in ADAMTS13 activity nor a reduction in the inhibitor titer: 3 had recurrent disease and 1 died. Among 17 patients with AD-AMTS13 activity at presentation higher than 25%, 10 died. Mortality rate for idiopathic TTP was 15%, whereas mortality for nonidiopathic TTP was 59% (P &lt; .02). We conclude that assays of ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors in addition to the clinical categories (idiopathic TTP and nonidiopathic TTP) are predictive of outcome and may be useful to tailor patient treatment.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 107 (8) ◽  
pp. 3161-3166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumiaki Banno ◽  
Koichi Kokame ◽  
Tomohiko Okuda ◽  
Shigenori Honda ◽  
Shigeki Miyata ◽  
...  

Abstract ADAMTS13 is a plasma metalloproteinase that regulates platelet adhesion and aggregation through cleavage of von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers. In humans, genetic or acquired deficiency in ADAMTS13 causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a condition characterized by thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia with microvascular platelet thrombi. In this study, we report characterization of mice bearing a targeted disruption of the Adamts13 gene. ADAMTS13-deficient mice were born in the expected mendelian distribution; homozygous mice were viable and fertile. Hematologic and histologic analyses failed to detect any evidence of thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, or microvascular thrombosis. However, unusually large VWF multimers were observed in plasma of homozygotes. Thrombus formation on immobilized collagen under flow was significantly elevated in homozygotes in comparison with wild-type mice. Thrombocytopenia was more severely induced in homozygotes than in wild-type mice after intravenous injection of a mixture of collagen and epinephrine. Thus, a complete lack of ADAMTS13 in mice was a prothrombotic state, but it alone was not sufficient to cause TTP-like symptoms. The phenotypic differences of ADAMTS13 deficiencies between humans and mice may reflect differences in hemostatic system functioning in these species. Alternatively, factors in addition to ADAMTS13 deficiency may be necessary for development of TTP.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document