Investigation of the Effect of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for TAFRO Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Abstract

TAFRO syndrome is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder with a fatal course. Nevertheless, a definitive treatment strategy has not yet been established. Anti-inflammatory therapies, including glucocorticoid treatment and immunosuppressants, have not been satisfactory. Therefore, new treatment options are needed for patients with TAFRO syndrome. The effectiveness of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has mainly been reported in several case reports. In this case series study, we investigated the effect of TPE on TAFRO syndrome. We reviewed six consecutive cases with TAFRO syndrome treated at Shinshu University Hospital. All of them underwent TPE. A significant improvement in mean blood pressure, albumin, total bilirubin, and C-reactive protein was observed after TPE. Furthermore, early TPE treatment was suggested to have an impact on the prognosis. More intensive studies are needed to emphasize the overall conclusion obtained that TPE can be an effective/acceptable treatment option for TAFRO syndrome.

Keywords

• TAFRO syndrome
• therapeutic plasma exchange
• thrombotic microangiopathy