VolumeVol. 53 • Number No. 1 • January - March 2015 Back

Original Paper

​​​​​​​Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Patients with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Seen at the University of Sto. Tomas Hospital: A Single Center Experience

Authors: Pamela Rose L. Mancio, Ma. Rosario Irene D. Castillo

DOI: 10.65564/pjim.c7508b0111

Date of Publication: March 2015

Abstract

Background: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is considered a rare disease. In the Philippines, there are currently no local registry for such rare disease, thus clinical features that may be unique to the country is difficult to characterize.

Objective: To characterize the TTP patients seen in our institution based on the demographic, clinical and laboratory profile of these patients.

Results: A total of eight patients were described in this report. Median age was 38 years (range, 20- 63) with a female predominance. All patients had neurologic symptoms and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Minor neurologic symptoms (confusion, headache and dizziness) were more frequently observed. Renal dysfunction (serum creatinine >1.4 mg/dL), fever (>38.0°C), and thrombocytopenia were observed in four patients (50%), seven patients (87.5%), and six patients (75%), respectively. Patients underwent median of three sessions of Plasma Exchange (range, two to 38). Of the six patients who received therapeutic plasma exchange, five were discharged alive.

Conclusion: Fifty percent of the patients in this report presented with the classic pentad. This feature should be kept in mind as TTP is a true hematologic emergency. A high index of suspicion, prompt evaluation and treatment of patients are necessary because multi-organ thrombosis may not be reversible, if treatment is not urgently administered. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is the management of choice and should be done immediately once TTP is recognized.

Keywords: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Therapeutic Plasma Exchange

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