Suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: Urgent timely therapeutic plasma exchange improves patient prognosis

Abstract

We present a case of 62 year male with dyspnea, cough and abdominal pain. There was a diagnostic dilemma for TTP as Hemolytic uremic syndrome, dengue, malaria and autoimmune hemolytic anemia were ruled out by investigations. ADAMTS-13 testing could not be performed due to financial constraints. The deteriorating life threatening condition of the patient compelled us to perform TPE on urgent basis. The close association of pathologist, clinician , intensivist and transfusion specialists improved patient outcome.

Keywords

• Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
• plasma exchange
• thrombocytopenia
• thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura