Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura complicating chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with interferon-alpha. A report of two successfully treated patients

Acta Haematol. 1998;100(4):204-6. doi: 10.1159/000040905.

Abstract

Two patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia are described in whom thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) developed following treatment by interferon-alpha. In one of the patients, a lymphoblastic transformation was diagnosed concomitantly. Prompt institution of plasmapheresis, steroids and vincristine resulted in complete resolution. In the hitherto reported case of TTP complicating interferon-alpha treated chronic myelogenous leukemia, the course was fatal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / complications*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / etiology*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interferon-alpha