scholarly journals Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or Moschowitz syndrome: a true hematologic emergency

2012 ◽  
pp. 227-237
Author(s):  
Deborah Melis ◽  
Gianluca Michelis ◽  
Marcello Brignone ◽  
Marina Cavaliere ◽  
Rodolfo Tassara
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Prognostic Indicators ◽  
Late Relapse ◽  
Inherited Disorders ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Anti Cd20 ◽  
Von Willebrand

Introduction: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy caused by congenital or inherited disorders involving the processing of the ultra-large forms of von Willebrand factor. As a result, platelet-rich microthrombi form in the small arterial vessels of various organs, particularly those of the brain, heart, and kidneys. The idiopathic autoimmune form of TTP is the most common. There are various subgroups of acquired TTP associated with HIV infection, sepsis, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, various disseminated malignancies, and drugs. If not promptly treated, TTP is associated with high mortality, making it a true medical emergency. Materials and methods: The article is based on a review of the literature published between January and October of 2009. Its aim is to clarify the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of TTP. Results: Diagnostic criteria include the presence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia associated with thrombocytopenia in the absence of other obvious causes. Assays of ADAMTS13 activity and titration of acquired antibodies against this enzyme are indicated in the follow-up of disease and as prognostic indicators. Treatment centers around daily plasma exchange associated with immunosuppressant drug therapy, particularly steroids and more recently the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab. Discussion: Despite improved treatment, TTP is still associated with significant mortality (10—20%), particularly when plasma exchange is initiated late. Relapse also occurs in a substantial proportion of patients (10—40%) although the frequency of this outcome may be reduced by rituximab therapy.

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 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.

Anti-CD20 antibody in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to plasma exchange

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 329-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. V Chow ◽  
R Carroll ◽  
P Branley ◽  
K Nicholls ◽  
G Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20

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.

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.

Long-term Efficacy of Rituximab Treatment in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

2011 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Jens M Chemnitz ◽  
Michael Hallek ◽  
Christof Scheid ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

The use of therapeutic plasma exchange has reduced mortality rates in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from 90 to 10–20%. However, TTP is a potentially lethal disorder, and management of patients with TTP refractory to plasma exchange or frequently recurrent disease is difficult. In those cases, rituximab might be a therapeutic option, although current data are based primarily on case reports and smaller case series. While initial response rates to rituximab are reported to be high, long-term follow-up data of patients treated with rituximab are rare; however, it is important to estimate the safety and benefit of this treatment. In this article we focus on current experience with rituximab in the treatment of TTP, including recent results with long-term follow-up.

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