Rituximab for the Treatment of Recurrent Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4020-4020
Author(s):  
Teresa C. Bortolheiro ◽  
N. S. Castro ◽  
Cançado D. Rodolfo ◽  
Chiattone Carlos
Keyword(s):  
Complete Remission ◽  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Sustained Remission ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Significant Toxicity ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Von Willebrand

Abstract Background: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and severe disease, characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic anaemia, fever, renal failure, and neurological manifestation caused by deposition of von Willebrand factor - platelet rich hyaline thrombi in the arterioles and capillaries. Plasma exchange has decreased the mortality in TTP from almost 100% to 10–30%. However, relapses occur in more than one-third of patients, a subset of whom develop multiple relapses or chronic disease requiring numerous sessions of plasma exchange. This treatment is costly and associated with many adverse reactions. Case Report: We describe a female patient - diagnosed with TTP in 1996 - who did not achieve a sustained remission with plasma exchange, steroids and vincristine, but who remained in remission after a splenectomy performed in 1997. The patient underwent relapse in 2003 and restarted plasma exchange, with progressive improvement of cytopenias. Plasma exchange was reduced in frequency from daily sessions to every other day. There was a lowering of platelet levels and an increase in LDH levels - steroids and vincristine were re-initiated, but without response. The patient was treated with four, weekly doses (375 mg/m2) of rituximab. Plasma exchange was only required during the first 2 weeks of rituximab treatment, and was discontinued after the second dose of rituximab. The patient remained in complete remission for 9 months, but was then admitted to hospital with femoral thrombosis, and normal LDH and platelet levels. After 40 days of thrombosis therapy, the patient had a further relapse and refused plasma exchange. Treatment with rituximab was restarted as previously, and the patient achieved a complete remission within 2 weeks - now sustained for 11 months. Conclusion: In comparing this patient with eight previous cases not treated with rituximab, we conclude that rituximab is a very effective treatment for TTP, which is not associated with clinically significant toxicity. Randomized clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.

scholarly journals Treatment of Concurrent Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Graves’ Disease: A Report on Two Cases

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Lhotta ◽  
Emanuel Zitt ◽  
Hannelore Sprenger-Mähr ◽  
Lorin Loacker ◽  
Alexander Becherer
Keyword(s):  
Complete Remission ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Treatment Regimen ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Tsh Receptor ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
Sustained Remission ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Graves’ disease (GD) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are autoimmune diseases caused by autoantibodies against the TSH receptor (TRAb) and the enzyme ADAMTS13. We here report on two patients with concurrent GD and TTP, who achieved sustained remission of both conditions with the TTP treatment regimen and thiamazole. Both patients suffered from relapsing TTP and were diagnosed with GD concomitantly at the time of relapse. They were treated with steroids, plasma exchange, rituximab, and thiamazole. This therapy induced complete remission of TTP. TRAb levels also decreased rapidly and both patients developed subclinical hypothyroidism three and five weeks later. Our observations suggest that TTP and GD may be concomitant and that GD possibly triggers a relapse of TTP. The combination of thyrostatic treatment and immunosuppression with PE, rituximab, and steroids is able to induce rapid and prolonged remission of GD.

Rituximab as pre-emptive treatment in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and evidence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies

2009 ◽  
Vol 101 (02) ◽  
pp. 233-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Gastoldi ◽  
Erica Daina ◽  
Daniela Belotti ◽  
Enrico Pogliani ◽  
Paolo Perseghin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
First Episode ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Sustained Remission ◽  
Adamts13 Activity ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Haemolytic Anemia

SummaryThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and severe disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, neurological and renal involvement associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13. Persistence of high titers of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies predisposes to relapsing TTP. Since relapses are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, the optimal therapeutic option should be a pre-emptive treatment able to deplete anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies and avoid relapses. Five patients who presented with persistence of undetectable ADAMTS13 activity and high titers of autoantibodies, were treated with rituximab as pre-emptive therapy during remission. Four of them were affected by relapsing TTP and one was treated after the first episode. ADAMTS13 activity ranging from 15% to 75% with disappearance of inhibitors was achieved after three months in all patients, and persisted >20% without inhibitors at six months. In three patients disease-free status is still ongoing after 29, 24 and six months, respectively. Relapses were documented in two patients during follow-up: in one patient remission lasted 51 months; while in the other patient relapse occurred after 13 months. Results demonstrated that rituximab used as pre-emptive treatment may be effective in maintaining a sustained remission in patients with anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in whom other treatments failed to limit the production of inhibitors, and suggests that re-treatment with rituximab should be considered when ADAMTS13 activity decreases and inhibitors reappear into the circulation, to avoid a new relapse.

scholarly journals Beyond plasma exchange: novel therapies for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Hematology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 (1) ◽  
pp. 539-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Dane ◽  
Shruti Chaturvedi
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Relapse Prevention ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Novel Therapies ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Recovery ◽  
Adamts13 Deficiency ◽  
Prophylactic Use ◽  
Von Willebrand

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.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Resistant to Plasma-exchange: Salvage Treatment with High-dose IgG or Vincristine

1993 ◽  
Vol 16 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 201-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Porta ◽  
E. Bobbio-Pallavicini ◽  
R. Centurioni ◽  
F. Tacconi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Complete Remission ◽  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Salvage Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Even though plasmaexchange (PE), either alone or combined with cortisone or platelet anti-aggregating substances is the treatment of choice for TTP, 10-15% of patients is resistant to treatment. Since immunoglobulin (IgG) infusion was reported to cure the clinical symptoms of PE-resistant TTP, and vincristine (VCR) has been recently successful in treating TTP, we reviewed the results obtained with both drugs in 20 PE-resistant patients. Of 12 patients receiving IgG and 8 receiving VCR, 3 (25%) and 4 (50%), respectively, achieved complete remission. Even though no conclusions can be drawn from such results, if complete remission can be achieved in a however small number of PE-resistant patients, the use of these drugs is suggested as a salvage treatment for TTP.

Recovery and Half-Life of von Willebrand Factor-Cleaving Protease after Plasma Therapy in Patients with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (01) ◽  
pp. 8-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Robles ◽  
Beat Morselli ◽  
Pierre Sandoz ◽  
Bernhard Lämmle ◽  
Miha Furlan
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Half Life ◽  
Protease Activity ◽  
Plasma Therapy ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Plasma Infusion ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

SummaryPlasma exchange using fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) for replacement was given to two brothers during a relapse of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A constitutional deficiency of von Willebrand factor(vWF)-cleaving protease had been previously established in both patients. No inhibitor of vWF-cleaving protease was present in patients’ plasmas. They received plasma exchange for four and three consecutive days, respectively. In both patients, the activity of vWF-cleaving protease after the first plasmapheresis session was evaluated and was found to be virtually identical to anticipated activity calculated from predicted patient plasma volume and volume of exchanged plasma. Pathologic platelet counts and lactate dehydrogenase levels were normalized in both patients within 4-6 days. The biologic half-life of vWF-cleaving protease was determined in these patients following the last plasma exchange. The respective half-lives of 3.3 and 2.1 days represent the lowest known clearance rates of proteases in circulating human plasma.Another patient with relapsing TTP was treated with plasma exchange and/or plasma infusion for 10 consecutive days during the first relapse, 221-231 days after the initial TTP event. Pharmacokinetic studies of vWF-cleaving protease were performed after plasma exchange on day 221 and after plasma infusion on day 231. High level of an IgG in patient plasma, capable of completely inhibiting protease activity in an equal volume of normal plasma, had been established prior to first plasmapheresis. There was no measurable protease activity at any time during plasma therapy. Following plasma exchange, the level of the inhibitor was transiently slightly depressed. After 10 days of plasma therapy, the concentration of the inhibitor in patient plasma was increased about 5-fold. We suggest that, in contrast to protease deficient patients without circulating inhibitor, complementary therapy including immunosuppressive treatment, vincristine and/or splenectomy is indicated in patients with acquired inhibitors of vWF-cleaving protease. Testing for vWF-cleaving protease inhibitor may be useful in predicting the response to plasma exchange in patients with TTP.

scholarly journals Acquired Deficiency of von Willebrand Factor-Cleaving Protease in a Patient With Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 2839-2846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miha Furlan ◽  
Rodolfo Robles ◽  
Max Solenthaler ◽  
Bernhard Lämmle
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Protease Activity ◽  
Temporary Increase ◽  
Severe Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Plasma of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has been shown to contain unusually large von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers that may cause platelet agglutination in vivo. Fresh frozen plasma infusions and plasma exchange represent the most efficient therapy of acute TTP. A specific protease responsible for cleavage of vWF multimers has been recently isolated from normal human plasma and was found to be deficient in four patients with chronic relapsing TTP. We examined the activity of the vWF-cleaving protease in plasma samples collected over a period of 400 days from a further patient with recurrent episodes of TTP who was treated by plasma exchange, plasma infusion, vincristine, corticosteroid therapy, and splenectomy. Complete deficiency of the vWF-cleaving protease was established during the first episode of TTP. The ensuing normalization of the platelet count was associated with the appearance of the protease activity. Three months after remission from the initial TTP event, the vWF-cleaving protease again disappeared and the platelet count gradually decreased. Relapses of severe thrombocytopenia occurred 7 and 11 months after the first acute episode of TTP. Deficient protease activity was associated with the presence in the patient plasma of an inhibitor that was found to be an IgG. Plasma exchange/infusion was followed by a temporary increase in the antibody titer, whereas treatment with vincristine led to a recovery of the platelet count without affecting the inhibitor concentration. Splenectomy and corticosteroid treatment resulted in disappearance of the autoantibody and normalization of the protease activity and of the platelet count. Our data suggest that the thrombocytopenia in this patient with TTP was associated with a lack of the vWF-cleaving protease activity depleted by an autoimmune mechanism. This case, together with our previously reported patients, leads us to conclude that acquired as well as constitutional deficiency of the vWF-cleaving protease may predispose to TTP.

scholarly journals Von Willebrand factor, ADAMTS13, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Evan Sadler
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Unanswered Question ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
The Past ◽  
Adamts13 Deficiency ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Intensive Immunosuppressive Therapy

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.

Rituximab prevents recurrence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 925-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Galbusera ◽  
Elena Bresin ◽  
Marina Noris ◽  
Sara Gastoldi ◽  
Daniela Belotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Small Vessels ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Substantial Morbidity

AbstractThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disorder of small vessels that is associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor–cleaving protease, ADAMTS13. The presence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies is considered a factor predisposing to relapses. Despite close monitoring and intensive plasma treatment, in these patients acute episodes are still associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates, and the optimal therapeutic option should be prevention of relapses. This study was conducted in a patient with recurrent TTP due to high titers of ADAMTS13 inhibitors, who used to have 2 relapses of TTP a year. The study compared the standard treatment plasma exchange with rituximab. Results documented that plasma exchange had only a small transient effect on ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors; on the contrary, prophylaxis with rituximab was associated with disappearance of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies, a progressive recovery of protease activity, and it allowed the patient to maintain a disease-free state during a more than 2-year follow-up.

scholarly journals How I treat refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 125 (25) ◽  
pp. 3860-3867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzana A. Sayani ◽  
Charles S. Abrams
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) without an obvious cause, and may include fever, mild renal failure, and neurologic deficits. It is characterized by a deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving enzyme, ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase, with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13), resulting in formation of microthrombi in the high sheer environment of the microvasculature. This causes microvascular occlusion, MAHA, and organ ischemia. Diagnosis is based on the presence of clinical symptoms, laboratory aberrations consistent with MAHA, decreased ADAMTS13 activity, and possibly presence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. Upfront treatment of acute TTP includes plasma exchange and corticosteroids. A significant number of patients are refractory to this treatment and will require further interventions. There are limited data and consensus on the management of the refractory TTP patient. Management involves simultaneously ruling out other causes of thrombocytopenia and MAHA, while also considering other treatments. In this article, we describe our management of the patient with refractory TTP, and discuss use of rituximab, increased plasma exchange, splenectomy, and immunosuppressive options, including cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and cyclosporine. We also review recent evidence for the potential roles of bortezomib and N-acetylcysteine, and explore new therapeutic approaches, including recombinant ADAMTS13 and anti-VWF therapy.

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