Plasmapheresis for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura following bone marrow transplantation

Recognition of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)/hemolytic uremic s yndrome (HUS) following bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has increased in recent years. The use of plasma exchange has greatly improved the outlook o f de novo TTP. Fewer data are available on its use in post-BMT TTP but smal l uncontrolled series showed poor results with low response rates. We prese nt here a case of a young patient who developed manifestations of TTP 10 mo nths after BMT with complete recovery following treatment with plasma excha nge for 1 month. This case suggests that plasma exchange could be life savi ng and should be tried in every patient with post-BMT TTP. Copyright (C) 20 01 S. Karger AG, Basel.