Pregnancy shortly after an acute episode of severe acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Transfus Apher Sci. 2016 Dec;55(3):308-310. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2016.08.002. Epub 2016 Aug 11.

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially fatal condition. In women with a previous history of TTP there is increased risk of recurrence during pregnancy and the puerperium. There is some evidence that the risk of relapse during pregnancy is increased if the interval between the event and conception is short. We present a case in which pregnancy was achieved a few days after full recovery from an acute episode of severe acquired TTP (ADAMTS13 activity <0.1%) which was successfully treated with four courses of plasma exchange. There was no relapse of TTP during pregnancy and a healthy baby was delivered at term; the puerperium was uneventful.

Keywords: ADAMTS13; Plasma exchange; Pregnancy; Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Plasma Exchange
  • Platelet Count
  • Pregnancy
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / blood
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / pathology*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy

Supplementary concepts

  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, acquired