Treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with the cryosupernatant fraction of plasma: A case report and review of the literature

We report a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that did not respond to extensive plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) but res ponded to plasma exchange with cryosupernatant. Several reports indicate th at responses to cryosupernatant may be seen in patients refractory to FFP, and this approach may be appropriate in these patients before one recommend s a splenectomy. The literature on refractory TTP treated with cryosupernat ant exchange is reviewed.