Púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica en pediatría. Reporte de un caso / Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in pediatrics. A case report

La púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica es una entidad poco frecuente en pediatría, pero de alta mortalidad sin tratamiento adecuado y oportuno. Se caracteriza por presentar anemia hemolítica microangiopática asociada a signos y síntomas neurológicos, cardíacos, abdominales y menos frecuentemente renales; puede estar acompañada de fiebre. En niños, el diagnóstico se basa en los hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio. La actividad de ADAMTS13 <10 % apoya, pero no confirma el diagnóstico y, dada la gravedad de la patología, el resultado no debe retrasar el inicio del tratamiento. Se presenta una paciente de 15 años, previamente sana, con signos neurológicos asociados a anemia hemolítica y trombocitopenia. Durante su internación, se arribó al diagnóstico de púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica adquirida.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare disease in pediatrics, but it has a high mortality if not managed in an adequate and timely manner. It is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia associated with neurological, cardiac, abdominal, and less frequently, renal signs and symptoms; it may be accompanied by fever. In children, diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory findings. ADAMTS13 activity < 10% supports the diagnosis but does not confirm it and, given its severity, the result should not delay treatment initiation. Here we describe the case of a previously healthy 15-year-old female patient with neurological signs associated with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. During hospitalization, she was diagnosed with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / Características clínicas, de laboratorio y tratamiento en pacientes con púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica

Abstract Introduction: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disease characterized by non-immune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and thrombotic microangiopathy. This study describes the clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics of a series of patients with TTP, comparing them according to the presence or absence of associated illnesses. Materials and methods: a descriptive observational study of patients diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura at a reference center in Medellín, Colombia, evaluated between 2012 and 2021. Results: a total of 19 patients were collected, with 80% female predominance; the most frequent clinical manifestations were neurological symptoms (73.6%), kidney problems (68.4%), gastrointestinal problems (52.6%) and fever (47.3%). It was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 47.6% and was idiopathic in 31.5%. The mean hemoglobin was 7.7 gr/dL +/- 1.7, the median platelet count was 12 x 109 /L (8-29), and the mean lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 1,509 IU/L +/- 862. Altogether, 94.7% were classified as high probability according to the PLASMIC score, ADAMTS13 was measured in 42% and all received plasma exchange therapy. Clinical response was achieved in 78.9%, with refractoriness in 31.5% and 26.3% mortality; the comparison between idiopathic vs. non-idiopathic TTP showed lower kidney involvement (p=0.04) and higher LDH (p=0.02). Conclusion: the clinical presentation of TTP is notable for the predominance of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, marked elevation of lactate dehydrogenase and kidney injury, especially in the idiopathic type. We emphasize the need to measure ADAMTS13 activity in all patients prior to beginning plasma exchange or even in the first two sessions and look for SLE-like autoimmune disease. The higher mortality and refractoriness compared with other series presents the potential for improvement in timely diagnosis and availability of all the treatment schemes. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2760

Resumen Introducción: la púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica (PTT) es una enfermedad infrecuente, que se caracteriza por anemia hemolítica no inmune, trombocitopenia y microangiopatía trombótica. En este estudio se describen las características clínicas, de laboratorio y el tratamiento de una serie de pacientes con PTT comparando según la presencia o ausencia de enfermedad asociada. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de pacientes con diagnóstico de púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica en un centro de referencia en Medellín (Colombia), evaluados entre 2012 y 2021. Resultados: se recolectaron 19 pacientes, con predominio de mujeres en 80%; las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron síntomas neurológicos (73.6%), afectación renal (68.4%), gastrointestinales (52.6%) y fiebre (47.3%), se asoció a lupus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) en 47.6% e idiopático en 31.5%. La media de hemoglobina fue de 7.7 gr/dL ± 1.7, la mediana del recuento de plaquetas de 12 x 109 /L (8-29) y una media de lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH) de 1509 UI/L ± 862. Fueron clasificados como alta probabilidad por escala PLASMIC el 94.7%, se midió ADAMTS13 en 42% y todos recibieron terapia con recambio plasmático. La respuesta clínica se logró en 78.9%, con refractariedad en 31.5% y mortalidad 26.3%; en la comparación de PTT idiopática vs no idiopática se documentó una menor frecuencia de afectación renal (p=0.04) y mayor elevación de LDH (p=0.02). Conclusión: en la presentación clínica de PTT se destaca el predominio de los síntomas neu rológicos y gastrointestinales, la elevación marcada de lactato deshidrogenasa y la lesión renal en especial en el origen idiopático. Se recalca la necesidad de medir en todos los pacientes la actividad de ADAMTS13, previo al inicio de recambio plasmático o incluso en las primeras dos sesiones y buscar enfermedad autoinmune tipo LES. La mayor mortalidad y refractariedad comparada con otras series plantea la posibilidad de mejoras en el diagnóstico oportuno y la disponibilidad de todos los esquemas terapéuticos. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2760

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in pediatrics. A case report. / Púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica en pediatría. Reporte de un caso.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare disease in pediatrics, but it has a high mortality if not managed in an adequate and timely manner. It is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia associated with neurological, cardiac, abdominal, and less frequently, renal signs and symptoms; it may be accompanied by fever. In children, diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory findings. ADAMTS13 activity < 10% supports the diagnosis but does not confirm it and, given its severity, the result should not delay treatment initiation. Here we describe the case of a previously healthy 15-year-old female patient with neurological signs associated with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. During hospitalization, she was diagnosed with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

La púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica es una entidad poco frecuente en pediatría, pero de alta mortalidad sin tratamiento adecuado y oportuno. Se caracteriza por presentar anemia hemolítica microangiopática asociada a signos y síntomas neurológicos, cardíacos, abdominales y menos frecuentemente renales; puede estar acompañada de fiebre. En niños, el diagnóstico se basa en los hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio. La actividad de ADAMTS13 <10 % apoya, pero no confirma el diagnóstico y, dada la gravedad de la patología, el resultado no debe retrasar el inicio del tratamiento. Se presenta una paciente de 15 años, previamente sana, con signos neurológicos asociados a anemia hemolítica y trombocitopenia. Durante su internación, se arribó al diagnóstico de púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica adquirida.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in a renal transplant recipient case report / Síndrome hemolítico-urêmica causada por Escherichia coli produtora de toxina Shiga em um relato de caso de receptor de transplante renal

Abstract Thrombotic microangiopathies are disorders characterized by nonimmune microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and multi-systemic failure. They are classified as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and typical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The latter is associated with intestinal infections by Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. Typical hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults is an extremely rare condition, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. It has been seldom described in solid organ transplant recipients. Here is presented the case of a kidney transplant recipient who had typical hemolytic uremic syndrome with multisystem commitment, refractory to management and with a fatal outcome.

Resumo Microangiopatias trombóticas são distúrbios caracterizados por anemia hemolítica microangiopática não imune, trombocitopenia e insuficiência multissistêmica. Elas são classificadas como púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica, síndrome hemolítico-urêmica atípica e síndrome urêmica hemolítica típica. Essa última está associada a infecções intestinais por bactérias produtoras da toxina Shiga. A síndrome hemolítica urêmica típica em adultos é uma condição extremamente rara, caracterizada por alta morbimortalidade. Esta é raramente descrita em receptores de transplantes de órgãos sólidos. Apresentamos aqui o caso de um receptor de transplante renal que apresentava síndrome hemolítico-urêmica típica com comprometimento multissistêmico, refratário ao tratamento, e com desfecho fatal.

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)

Grupos sanguíneos y su relación con los niveles plasmáticos del Factor de von Willebrand / Blood groups and their relationship with plasma levels of von Willebrand Factor

Resumen Introducción: El tipo de grupo sanguíneo entre otros factores, influye en los niveles plasmáticos del Factor de von Willebrand (FvW), su actividad biológica podría incidir en el desarrollo de eventos trombóticos y hemorrágicos. Objetivo: Describir las características y los mecanismos de reacciones postrasduccionales del grupo sanguíneo que permiten la variación en la concentración plasmática del FvW. Materiales y métodos: Revisión teórico descriptiva de tipo documental. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron Medline, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciELO, Proquest, Ovid y Pubmed. Como criterio de selección se incluyeron artículos en idioma inglés y español a partir del año 2010 y algunos anteriores como referente histórico. Resultados: Se describieron los principales mecanismos e investigaciones que evidencian la influencia del tipo de grupo sanguíneo ABO en los niveles plasmáticos del FvW, así como la estructura y función de dicha proteína. Conclusiones: Las concentraciones plasmáticas del FvW pueden depender del tipo de grupo sanguíneo, la edad, sexo, embarazo, ciclo menstrual, variación de proteínas y factores bioquímicos e inmunológicos. Se podría tener en cuenta el tipo de grupo sanguíneo de los pacientes como un posible factor predictor a futuro de complicaciones clínicas tanto trombóticas como hemorrágicas.

Abstract Introduction: The type of blood group among other factors influences the plasma levels of von Willebrand Factor (FvW) and its biological activity could influence the development of thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. Objective: To describe the characteristics and mechanisms of post-translational reactions of the blood group that generate variation in the plasma concentration of FvW. Materials and methods: A descriptive theoretical review of documentary type. The databases consulted were Medline, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciELO, Proquest, Ovid and Pubmed. As a selection criterion, articles in English and Spanish were included beginning in 2010 and some previous ones as historical reference. Results: The main mechanisms and investigations that show the influence of the ABO blood group type on the plasma levels of FvW, as well as the structure and function of this protein were described. Conclusions: FvW plasma concentrations may depend on the type of blood group, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, protein variation and biochemical and immunological factors. The type of blood group of patients could be considered as a possible future predictor of both thrombotic and hemorrhagic clinical complications.

ADAMTS-13 and von Willebrand factor predict venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer.

UNLABELLED: ESSENTIALS: Cancer patients are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this study, cases and controls were cancer patients who did or did not develop VTE. von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels were higher if compared with controls and correlated with cancer stage. VWF and ADAMTS-13 are associated with the occurrence of VTE in cancer. BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). ADAMTS-13 regulates von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity, which plays a role in the development of cancer and in VTE. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to search for an association between the levels of VWF and ADAMTS-13 and VTE in patients with cancer and to compare current scoring systems for prediction of VTE before and after addition of these parameters. PATIENTS/METHODS: In a case-control study, in which patients with recently diagnosed cancer were followed-up for 6 months, we compared 20 patients who developed VTE (cases) and 140 patients with cancer without VTE (controls), matched for sex, age, and type and stage of cancer. We measured VWF, ADAMTS-13 (activity and antigen), P-selectin, D-dimer and F1 + 2 levels at baseline, and calculated both the Khorana score and the Khorana score expanded after addition of P-selectin and D-dimer levels. RESULTS: VWF levels were significantly higher in cases when compared with controls (326 ± 185% vs. 242 ± 158%) and correlated with advanced stage of cancer: localized, 185 [142; 222]; locally advanced, 240 [146; 257]; metastatic, 267 [153; 324] (mean [interquartile range]). The addition of two biomarkers, ADAMTS-13 activity and F1 + 2 levels, to the Khorana score improved receiver operating curves. CONCLUSIONS: von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS-13 are associated with the occurrence of VTE in patients with cancer. Moreover, addition of ADAMTS-13 and F1 + 2 levels to the Khorana score considerably increases the predictive value for VTE.