A combined regimen based on bortezomib and glucocorticoids for 6 patients with recurrent/refractory immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of a combination therapy regimen based on bortezomib and glucocorticoids in recurrent/refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) . Methods: Six patients with recurrent/refractory TTP were included and treated with a glucocorticoid and two courses of bortezomib-based regimen. The clinical remission status of patients, changes in ADAMTS13 activity/ADAMTS13 inhibitor, and the occurrence of treatment-related adverse reactions were observed. Results: Of the 6 patients, 2 were males and 4 were females, with a median age of 21.5 (18-68) years. Refractory TTP was found in 1 case and recurrent TTP in 5 cases. Glucocorticoids were administered with reference to prednisone at 1 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), and gradually reduced in dosage after achieving clinical remission. Bortezomib is subcutaneously administered at 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 with a 28-day treatment course consisting of 2 courses. Six patients achieved clinical remission after receiving bortezomib as the main treatment. ADMATS13 activity returned to normal in all patients with TTP after treatment, and the ADAMTS13 inhibitor turned negative. Thrombocytopenia is the most common adverse reaction after treatment, with other adverse reactions, including peripheral neuritis and abdominal pain, but ultimately all patients returned to normal. In a median follow-up of 26 (9-41) months, 5 patients maintained sustained remission, and 1 patient relapsed after 16 months of bortezomib treatment. Conclusion: Combination therapy of bortezomib and glucocorticoids has a satisfactory therapeutic effect and controllable adverse reactions for recurrent/refractory iTTP.

Progress on diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy / 器官移植

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a severe complication after kidney transplantation, mainly characterized by thrombocytopenia, microvascular hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury, which may lead to kidney allograft failure or even death of the recipients. With the increasing quantity of solid organ transplantation in China and deeper understanding of TMA, relevant in-depth studies have been gradually carried out. Kidney transplantation-associated TMA is characterized with different causes and clinical manifestations. Non-invasive specific detection approach is still lacking. The diagnosis of TMA mainly depends on renal biopsy. However, most TMA patients are complicated with significant thrombocytopenia. Hence, renal puncture is a risky procedure. It is difficult to make a definite diagnosis. For kidney transplantation-associated TMA, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin and withdrawal of potential risk drugs are commonly employed. Nevertheless, the overall prognosis is poor. In this article, the classification of TMA after kidney transplantation, diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated TMA were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated TMA.

Microangiopatía trombótica como complicación de una pancreatitis aguda / Thrombotic microangiopathy as a complication of acute pancreatitis / Microangiopatia trombótica como complicação da pancreatite aguda

La púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica (PTT) es una microangiopatía trombótica poco frecuente, que se caracteriza por anemia hemolítica y plaquetopenia, con una elevada morbimortalidad. Su forma más frecuente es la PTT inmune, también denominada adquirida, provocada por la deficiencia de la enzima disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) secundaria a la presencia en plasma de autoanticuerpos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda (PA) complicada con PTT, asociación de presentación excepcional en la práctica clínica.

Summary: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is rather an unusual thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by hemolytic anemia and plateletopenia which results in high morbimortality rates. The most frequent form of this disease is immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, also known as acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is caused by enzime deficiency disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) that is secondary to antibodies in plasma. The study presents the case of a patient with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis with a rare complication of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura which is exceptional in the clinical practice.

A púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica (PTT) é uma microangiopatia trombótica rara, caracterizada por anemia hemolítica e trombocitopenia, com alta morbimortalidade. Sua forma mais comum é a TTP imune, também conhecida como adquirida, que é causada pela deficiência da enzima ADAMTS13 (em inglês A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif no. 13) secundária à presença de autoanticorpos no plasma. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de pancreatite aguda (PA) complicada por PTT, associação com apresentação excepcional na prática clínica.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura as an acute complication of COVID-19

Introduction: While disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious complication of COVID-19, a close differential in critically ill patients with thrombocytopenia is Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Case Report: We describe the case of a middle-aged lady admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia who developed progressive thrombocytopenia, altered sensorium and renal failure. The absence of coagulation abnormalities alerted to the possibility of TTP, strengthened by presence of schistocytes in peripheral smear. Conclusions: This case highlights the need for high index of suspicion and to pay attention to normal tests as well that might give clues to the diagnosis. New onset thrombocytopenia in COVID-19 need not always indicate DIC. A careful examination of peripheral smear may help diagnosing TTP especially if coagulation profile is normal.

MULTIPLE MYELOMA COMPLICATED BY FATAL THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA (TTP) – A CASE REPORT OF AUTOPSY FINDINGS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurological abnormalities, fever and renal dysfunction. Early clinical suspicion and presumptive diagnosis of TTP helps in timely initiation of treatment modalities speci?c for TTP which may prove to be lifesaving and thus augment in reducing the mortality rate of TTP which is estimated to be 80 – 90 % if left untreated. We report a case of a known case of multiple myeloma who developed TTP which proved fatal despite plasmapheresis. Signi?cant autopsy ?ndings of presence of microthrombi in the microvasculature of multiple organs is also highlighted.

The paradox of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the TACO challenge!

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare medical emergency characterized by the pentad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, renal failure, and neurological dysfunction. TTP is an infrequent condition and is a thrombotic microangiopathy. TTP is essentially a clinical diagnosis. As untreated TTP has a high mortality, diagnosis is usually presumptive and prompt treatment with plasma exchange is highly beneficial and reduces mortality significantly. Therapeutic plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma is the standard treatment of choice for TTP. Transfusion-associated reactions may occur in some patients further complicating the disease picture and prolonging hospital stay and recovery. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload and transfusion-associated acute lung injury are the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. We present here the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that we faced with a young male patient who presented with fever, jaundice, and seizures.

Evaluation of Sysmex XN-3000 for Detection of Schistocyte / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#Compared with the method of optical microscopy, to evaluate the accuracy of fragmented red cells(FRC) detection by Sysmex XN-3000.@*METHODS@#A total of 111 samples were collected from patients diagnosed as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune disease, hematological disease, malignant tumor and health examination in our hospital from June 2019 to February 2021, including 74 cases in the case group and 37 cases in the healthy control group. All samples were detected by optical microscope and Sysmex XN-3000, respectively. ROC was used to evaluate the detection ability of Sysmex XN-3000 for schistocyte. Bland-Altman method was used to evaluate the consistency of the results of the two methods for detection of schistocyte, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted for the difference of the results.@*RESULTS@#The area under the ROC curve was 0.890(95% CI: 0.828-0.952, P<0.01). Sysmex XN-3000 count did not quantitatively agree with schistocyte counts by microscopy in the case group(mean of difference:-1.53, 95% limits of agreement: -8.78~5.72). There was a weak positive correlation between platelet count and the difference of analyzer and microscopic results (r=0.32,P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Sysmex XN-3000 can be used as a reference for qualitative determination of schistocyte. However, the sensitivity of Sysmex XN-3000 should be improved. It is still necessary to combine with manual microscopy. The quantitative results are not reliable now and cannot be used as a reference for monitoring the results of schistocyte in clinical patients after treatment.

Research Advance in Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura --Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy, in which a severe deficiency of von Willebrand factor lyase results in thrombocytopenic clots that block blood vessels and eventually lead to terminal organ failure. Therapeutic plasma exchange is the cornerstone of TTP treatment which can greatly improves the survival rate of the patients. With the further exploration to the pathophysiological mechanism of TTP, other alternative therapies, new immunosuppressive agents, targeted antagonists, gene therapy and other emerging means gradually emerge, which are expected to further reduce the mortality and recurrence rate of the patients. In this review, the new developments in TTP treatment were summarized briefly.

The Progress in Research in Hereditary Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Children / 罕见病研究

Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (hTTP) in children is a rare but severe and fatal thrombotic microangiopathy. The etiology of the disease is the persistent severe deficiency of the enzyme ADAMTS13 gene mutation, resulting in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, fever, and renal involvement. Different from adults, children with hTTP present earlier onset of the disease and are more likely to develop long-term complications in brain and kidney, so that the need for preventive replacement therapy is more urgent. This article reviews the research progress of hTTP in children.

Analysis of laboratory parameters and death risk in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the laboratory parameters and clinical characteristics of TTP patients, so as to provide reference for the timely diagnosis and death risk assessment or TTP.Methods:83 patients with TTP from June 2016 to March 2022 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into survival and death groups. The differences in general information, clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. The prognostic prediction score was constructed by combining parameters which differ between the two groups to calculate the corresponding mortality risk.Results:83 patients were included in the study, of whom 81.1% (60/74), 91.1% (72/79) and 86.2% (50/58) had increased AST, IBIL and cTnI results, and all (78/78) had higher LDH at admission. Hb was decreased in 97.5% (79/81) patients, and PLT of 97.5% (79/81) patients was less than 30×10 9/L. There were no significant differences in gender, age, blood type, presence of fever, ADAMTS-13 activity and PLASMIC score between the survival group (58 cases) and the death group (25 cases), but the proportion of neurologic symptoms in the death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group. AST, IBIL, cTnI and APTT at admission were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group ( P<0.05). The risk of death was 4.86, 9.74, 3.71, and 5.33 for those with high AST, IBIL, APTT, and cTnI levels, respectively, compared with those with low levels at admission. At last, AST, IBIL, APTT, cTnI and neurological symptoms were included to construct a score model. For each 1 point increase, the risk of short-term death in TTP patients was 3.24. Conclusions:Multiple laboratory markers have high negative exclusion value for TTP. For TTP patients with high AST, IBIL, cTnI and APTT and neurologic symptoms, more attention and active treatment should be paid to reduce mortality.

Reference range for ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and anti-ADAMTS13 antibody in the healthy adult Singapore population

INTRODUCTION@#ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin Type 1 motif, member 13) plays a fundamental role in the regulation of haemostasis and thrombosis. Its deficiency leads to an accumulation of ultra-large von Willebrand multimers, inducing spontaneous platelet aggregation, thrombosis in the microvasculature, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a condition with 90% mortality when left untreated. Prompt quantification of ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and autoantibody plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of TTP and can help differentiate it from other thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). Reference ranges for ADAMTS13 are generally derived from Caucasian patients. Given that polymorphism in the ADAMTS13 gene can be associated with variable ADAMTS13 levels, we aimed to establish the first reference range in Singapore and provide a crucial laboratory test for institutions here and elsewhere.@*METHODS@#150 healthy voluntary donors (75 men, 75 women) aged 21-60 years, with an ethnic mix mirroring Singapore's population profile, were recruited. ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and autoantibody levels were measured using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-vWF73 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodologies.@*RESULTS@#Levels (activity 0.65-1.79 IU/mL, antigen 0.36-1.17 IU/mL, autoantibody 1.4-12.5 U/mL) were not statistically different between the genders and various age groups.@*CONCLUSION@#TTP and TMAs are encountered in a wide range of specialties. The availability of new assays in Singapore will aid clinicians in the timely management of these conditions. Standardising reference ranges established for Singapore against World Health Organization standards allows harmonisation of measurements between laboratories and for future research collaborations.

Manejo oportuno de púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica en paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico: reporte de caso / Timely management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: case report

Introducción: La púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica puede presentarse en menos del 2 por ciento de los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Esta asociación implica un aumento de la mortalidad y un periodo de remisión más prolongado. Objetivo: Se presenta el caso de paciente peruana que desarrolló esta asociación y presentó complicaciones relacionadas con shock séptico. Caso clínico: Paciente femenina, con antecedente de púrpura trombocitopénica inmunológica y lupus eritematoso sistémico, acudió a emergencia por presentar palidez cutánea generalizada, petequias en miembros inferiores y hematuria. Posteriormente, su estado de salud se complicó con un shock séptico y deterioro del nivel de conciencia. Por todo esto, es referida a un hospital de mayor complejidad y hace su ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. La clínica y los exámenes de laboratorio revelaron hallazgos compatibles con púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica (anemia grave, plaquetopenia, esquistositosis) y lupus eritematoso sistémico activo grave. Antes de ser referida, recibió pulsos de metilprednisona y prednisona. Ya en unidad de cuidados intensivos, se cambió a soporte ventilatorio y tratamiento antibiótico. Con el diagnóstico presuntivo de púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica, asociada a lupus eritematoso sistémico activo grave, se inició tratamiento oportuno con plasmaféresis, corticoterapia y ciclofosfamida. La paciente recuperó los niveles plaquetarios y el nivel óptimo de conciencia. Actualmente acude a controles. Conclusiones: La púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica es una emergencia hematológica con alta mortalidad en ausencia de tratamiento. Su reconocimiento oportuno, sin dosificación de la proteína ADAMTS13, en esta asociación poco frecuente con lupus eritematoso sistémico es importante en el buen pronóstico del paciente(AU)

Introduction: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura may occur in less than 2 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. This association implies an increase in mortality and a longer remission period. Objective: We present the case of a Peruvian woman who developed this association, and complicating herself with septic shock. Clinical case: A female patient, with a history of immunological thrombocytopenic purpura and systemic lupus erythematosus, comes to the emergency room due to generalized skin pallor, lower limb petechiae and hematuria. Subsequently, her state of health gets complicated with a septic shock and deterioration of the level of consciousness. For all of this, she was referred to a hospital of greater complexity and makes admission to an intensive care unit. Clinical and laboratory tests revealed findings compatible with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (severe anemia, platelet disease, schistositosis) and severe active systemic lupus erythematosus. Before being referred, she received pulses of methylprednisone and prednisone. When already in the intensive care unit, it was changed to ventilatory support andantibiotic treatment. With the presumptive diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, associated with severe active systemic lupus erythematosus, a timely treatment was initiated with plasmapheresis, corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. The patient recovered platelet levels and optimal level of consciousness. She is currently going to controls. Conclusions: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a hematological emergency with high mortality in the absence of treatment. Its timely recognition, without dosing of ADAMTS13 protein, in this rare association with systemic lupus erythematosus is important in the good prognosis of the patient(AU)

Púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica en un paciente con infección por VIH / Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, in a HIV-infected patient: case report

Resumen Las manifestaciones hematológicas de la infección por el VIH son frecuentes y variadas debido a su capacidad de afectar prácticamente todas las líneas celulares. Dentro de éstas, la púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica (PTT) es una de las entidades que constituyen las microangiopatías trombóticas. Se caracteriza por la presencia de trombocitopenia y anemia hemolítica microangiopática con alteración de la función renal. Actualmente, la co-existencia de estas dos entidades es poco frecuente debido a la terapia anti-retroviral de alta efectividad (TARV) Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 28 años, quien consultó por fiebre asociada a episodios de gingivorragia, palidez mucocutánea generalizada y debilidad progresiva. Los estudios evidenciaron una anemia y trombocitopenia grave. Se encontraron esquistocitos y microesferocitos en el frotis de sangre periférica con actividad de la enzima ADAMTS 13 disminuida (6,8%). Se confirmó el diagnóstico de una PTT como manifestación inicial de una infección por VIH. Se indicó manejo con plasmaféresis e inicio de TARV con buena respuesta.

Abstract Hematological manifestations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are frequent and diverse due to its ability to affect almost all cell lines. Among these, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is one of the thrombotic microangiopathies syndromes, characterized by the presence of thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with impaired renal function. Nowadays, the relationship between these two entities is rare given the current highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We report the case of a 28-year-old patient, who presented with fever associated with gingival bleeding, generalized mucocutaneous pallor and progressive weakness. Routine investigations showed anemia and severe thrombocytopenia, schistocytes and micro spherocytes in peripheral blood smear. Required blood transfusion, with decreased ADAMTS 13 enzyme activity (6.8%). With these findings,TTP was diagnosed as the initial manifestation of the HIV infection. The patient received management with five sessions of plasmapheresis and HAART with subsequent improvement.

Microangiopatías trombóticas primarias: una revisión narrativa / Primary thrombotic microangiopathies: a narrative review

La microangiopatía trombótica (MAT) es un síndrome donde hay formación de microtrombos en la circulación que llevan a anemia hemolítica microangiopática (AHMA) y trombocitopenia con falla multiorgánica, debido a la isquemia de los tejidos. Las MAT pueden ser primarias sin causa subyacente asociada, como la púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica debida a deficiencia de la enzima ADAMTS13, el síndrome hemolítico urémico debido a la toxina Shiga de Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica, y la MAT producida por alteraciones en la regulación del complemento. Adicionalmente, pueden ser secundarias a enfermedades malignas, infecciosas, metabólicas, autoinmunes o inducidas por el embarazo. Estas patologías requieren diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos debido a que tienen alta morbimortalidad y se asocian a complicaciones que incluyen enfermedad renal, alteraciones neurológicas como convulsiones, accidente cerebrovascular, coma y muerte. El tratamiento es multidisciplinario y se enfoca en el soporte hemodinámico, transfusional y en el manejo de la etiología cuando esta es identificada. La siguiente revisión pretende explicar de forma clara y precisa los aspectos generales de las MAT primarias

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a syndrome characterized by the formation of microthrombi in the circulation leading to microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) and thrombocytopenia, with multiorgan failure due to tissue ischemia. TMA can be primary with no associated underlying cause, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura due to ADAMTS13 deficiency, hemolytic uremic syndrome due to the Shiga toxin from enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, or due to complement dysregulation. Furthermore, TMA can be secondary to malignant, infectious, metabolic or autoimmune diseases, or induced by pregnancy. These conditions require a timely diagnosis and treatment due to their associated high morbidity and mortality, and complications like renal disease, neurological disorders such as seizures, stroke, coma and death. Treatment is multidisciplinary and focuses on hemodynamic and transfusion support, and on the management of the etiology when it is identified (daily plasma exchange, eculizumab or management of underlying disease). This review aims to discuss the general aspects of primary thrombotic microangiopathies

Clinical analysis of 61 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze and summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of 61 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), so as to improve the ability of diagnosis and treatment.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 61 TTP patients admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2004 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical manifestations, blood routine, hemolysis indicators, and von Willebrand factor lyase (von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, vWF-CP, also known as ADAMTS13) of these patients were observed. According to the outcome at the time of discharge, they were divided into survival group and death group, and the differences in clinical characteristics, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and plasma exchange between the two groups were compared. The PLASMIC scores were calculated and compared with ADAMTS13 to determine the accuracy of the PLASMIC score in predicting ADAMTS13.@*RESULTS@#Among the 61 TTP patients, 22 were males and 39 were females, with an average age of (48±17) years. In the study, 48 cases had pentalogy, only 9 had triad, and the remaining 4 had no neuropsychiatric symptoms. Twenty-seven cases (44.3%) died and 34 cases (55.7%) survived. Among the 61 TTP patients, the platelet count was (12.9±9.5)×109/L, the hemoglobin (66.5±20.7) g/L, the percentage of erythrocyte fragments 3% (2%, 7%), and the plasma free hemoglobin increased to 360 (200, 457) mg /L, and the lactate dehydrogenase 1 508 (811, 2 133.8) U/L. The blood clotting was basically normal. The ADAMTS13 value of 30 patients was 49.0 (40.8, 61.3) μg/L, the ADAMTS activity of 10 patients was < 5%, and the remaining 21 patients were not checked. The PLASMIC score was 6-7 in 58 cases, 5 in 2 cases, and 4 in 1 case. The PLASMIC score predicted the decreased activity or the reduction of ADAMTS with a sensitivity as high as 97.5%. The NLR in the death group was higher than that in the survival group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The total amount and frequency of plasma exchange (PEX) in the death group were significantly less than those in the survival group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the treatment of glucocorticoids and human immunoglobulin between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#PEX can significantly improve the survival rate of TTP patients. PLASMIC score can easily and quickly predict the possibility of ADAMTS13 activity reduction, which is beneficial to the early diagnosis of TTP and PEX treatment. NLR can reflect the systemic inflammatory process, but its significance in TTP needs further study.

Clinical analysis of 59 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of 59 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP),therefore to improve the ability of diagnosis and treatment.Methods The clinical data of 59 patients with TTP admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2004 to October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were clinically diagnosed,fulfilled the triad syndrome,or quinary syndrome.Laboratory data included complete blood count,blood biochemistry,immtmology,hemolysis;some patients tested the activity of ADAMTS13.The differences between groups were compared according to the prognosis.Results Among the 59 patients with TTP,21 were male and 38 were female,with an average age of 46.8 years.Fifty-five patients had the triad syndrome and 46 patients had the quinary syndrome.The platelet count and hemoglobin decreased,the percentage of erythrocyte fragmented increased,and the value or the activity of ADAMTS13 was decreased significantly.PLASMIC scores of 57 patients were between 6 and 7.All 59 patients were treated with glucocorticoid,41 patients received plasma exchange (PEX),and 28 patients survived;18 patients did not received PEX,and only 6 patients survived.There was a significant difference of the survival between the two groups (P＜0.05).Six patients were treated with rituximab and four patients survived.Conclusion The PLASMIC score can predict the activity of ADAMTS 13 well.PEX can significantly improve the survival rate of patients with TTP.

Diagnosis and treatment of severe thrombotic microangiopathy in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Thrombotic microangiopathy(TMA) is a group of clinical and pathological syndromes, characterized mainly by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and multiple organ dysfunctions caused by a variety of factors.Classic types of TMA include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura(TTP). HUS is a critically ill glomerular disease.Depending on the pathogenesis, HUS is currently divided into 2 categories, namely typical and atypical HUS.Atypical HUS is at a rapid onset and is a type of dangerous disease, which tends to recur easily, and has high mortality in its acute phase.TTP is a rare but fatal entity of TMA.The pathophysiology of the disease is based on a severe functional deficiency of a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13(ADAMTS-13), the specific von Willebrand factor(VWF)-cleavage protease.This deficiency may be either acquired or congenital.The activity of plasma ADAMTS-13<10%is the only definitive method for diagnosing TTP.This article reports the recent advances on the diagnosis and treatment of severe TMA in children.

Prognostic utility of ADAMTS13 activity for the atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and comparison of complement serology between aHUS and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) involves dysregulation of the complement system, but whether this also occurs in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) remains unclear. Although these conditions are difficult to differentiate clinically, TTP can be distinguished by low (<10%) ADAMTS13 activity. The aim was to identify the differences in complement activation products between TTP and aHUS and investigate ADAMTS13 activity as a prognostic factor in aHUS. METHODS: We analyzed patients with thrombotic microangiopathy diagnosed as TTP (N=48) or aHUS (N=50), selected from a Korean registry (N=551). Complement activation products in the plasma samples collected from the patients prior to treatment and in 40 healthy controls were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The levels of generalized (C3a), alternate (factor Bb), and terminal (C5a and C5b-9) markers were significantly higher (all P<0.01) in the patients than in the healthy controls. Only the factor Bb levels significantly differed (P=0.008) between the two disease groups. In aHUS patients, high normal ADAMTS13 activity (≥77%) was associated with improved treatment response (OR, 6.769; 95% CI, 1.605–28.542; P=0.005), remission (OR, 6.000; 95% CI, 1.693–21.262; P=0.004), exacerbation (OR, 0.242; 95% CI, 0.064–0.916; P=0.031), and disease-associated mortality rates (OR, 0.155; 95% CI, 0.029–0.813; P=0.017). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that complement biomarkers, except factor Bb, are similarly activated in TTP and aHUS patients, and ADAMTS13 activity can predict the treatment response and outcome in aHUS patients.

The characteristics and current treatment status of child-onset thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中国小儿急救医学

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but fatal entity of thrombotic microangiopathies(TMAs).The pathophysiology of the disease is based on a severe functional deficiency of a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats,member 13 (ADAMTS-13),the specific von Willebrand factor (VWF)-cleavage protease.This deficiency may be either acquired or congenital.The clinical manifestations of TTP include microangiopathic hemolytic anemia,thrombocytopenia and dysfunction of involved organs,which are similar to other TMAs.The differential diagnosis with other TMAs may be challenging.The activity of plasma ADAMTS-13 ＜ 10％ is the only definitive method for diagnosis of TTP.The first-line treatment of the acute phase of TTP is based on plasmatherapy.In congenital TTP,patients benefit from a prophylactic plasmatherapy.In acquired TTP,steroids and B-cells depleting therapies are increasingly used together with plasma exchange.Long-term follow-up including the monitoring of ADAMTS-13 activity is mandatory.A severe decrease in ADAMTS-13 activity (＜ 10％) may predict relapses and preemptive B-cell depletion with rituximab can be used to prevent relapses of acquired TTP.

Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombotic Microangiopathy Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

Diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is challenging due to its close association with other forms of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, such as malignant hypertension and disseminated intravascular coagulation, and because other manifestations including cytopenia and acute kidney injury are manifestations of other medical comorbidities. Further challenges for accurate diagnosis include distinguishing between primary and secondary TMA, as well as between hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TTP is typically differentiated from HUS by the presence of more severe thrombocytopenia, along with a higher frequency of altered mental status with relatively preserved renal function. However, the clinical course can vary among patients, requiring polymerase chain reaction testing of patient stools for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) assay. To reduce the mortality rate, prompt initiation of plasmapheresis is important in cases where TPP cannot be excluded. Future advances enabling more rapid testing for ADAMTS13 levels will reduce the need for unnecessary plasmapheresis, so that treatment strategy can be more optimized.