Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome - A report on 9 cases

Within 10 years we treated 9 patients with TTP or HUS. The patients with TTP presented with neurological symptoms. At admission median platelet count was 37 x 10(9)/l and median hemoglobine value was 7,6 g/dl. Differential count revealed a highly elevated percentage of fragmentocytes. Direct and indirect coombstest were negative. All but one patients were treated with plasmapheresis receiving fresh frozen plasma. One patient with TTP had three relapses successfully retreated with plasmapheresis. The others survived relapsefree with a median follow-up of 64 months. Our treatment results confirm the high efficacy of plasmapheresis in these life-threatening disorders. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of this treatment form seem to be decisive for favorable outcome.