Diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy

Gemma L Thompson; David Kavanagh

doi:10.1111/ijlh.13954

Diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy

Int J Lab Hematol. 2022 Sep;44 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):101-113. doi: 10.1111/ijlh.13954.

Authors

Gemma L Thompson^{1

2}, David Kavanagh^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
² National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Abstract

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and end organ damage. TMAs have varying underlying pathophysiology and can therefore present with an array of clinical presentations. Renal involvement is common as the kidney is particularly susceptible to the endothelial damage and microvascular occlusion. TMAs require rapid assessment, diagnosis, and commencement of appropriate treatment due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with them. Ground-breaking research into the pathogenesis of TMAs over the past 20 years has driven the successful development of targeted therapeutics revolutionizing patient outcomes. This review outlines the clinical presentations, pathogenesis, diagnostic tests and treatments for TMAs.

Keywords: STEC-HUS; haemolytic uraemic syndrome; thrombotic microangiopathy; thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Thrombotic Microangiopathies* / diagnosis
Thrombotic Microangiopathies* / therapy