[Successful treatment with rituximab in a patient with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to plasma exchange]

Rinsho Ketsueki. 2010 Feb;51(2):127-31.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We report a patient with refractory idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) who was successfully treated with rituximab. A 50-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with progressive psychoneurotic symptoms, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The diagnosis of TTP was confirmed by the absence of ADAMTS13 activity with the presence of circulating ADAMTS13 inhibitor. High-dose steroid therapy and plasma exchange were performed. Despite 21 sessions of plasma exchange, however, there was no remarkable improvement. We then administered rituximab. Fifteen days after the first infusion of rituximab, she achieved complete remission and ADAMTS13 activity increased up to 14%. The patient has remained in remission for more than 9 months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ADAM Proteins / blood
  • ADAMTS13 Protein
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / diagnosis
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Biomarkers
  • Rituximab
  • ADAM Proteins
  • ADAMTS13 Protein
  • ADAMTS13 protein, human