Characterization of the complications associated with plasma exchange for thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura and related thrombotic microangiopathic anaemias: a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Plasma exchange (PEX) is a life-saving therapeutic procedure in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) and other thrombotic microangiopathic anaemias (TMAs). However, it may be associated with significant complications, exacerbating the morbidity and mortality in this patient group. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed all PEX procedures over a 72-month period, following the exclusive introduction of solvent-detergent double viral-inactivated plasma in high-volume users, such as TTP, in the United Kingdom (UK). We documented allergic reactions to plasma, citrate reactions, complications relating to central venous access insertion and venous thrombotic events (VTE) in 155 patient episodes and >2000 PEX procedures. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was low. Allergic plasma reactions occurred in 6·45% of the cohort with only one episode of acute anaphylaxis. Similarly, VTEs were 6·45%, not significantly greater than in medical patients receiving thromboprophylaxis, despite added potential risk factors in TTP. Citrate reactions were the most frequent complication documented, but toxicity was significantly reduced by administration of further calcium infusions during the PEX procedure. There were no serious central line infections and no catheter thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Our data confirms that PEX continues to be a life-saving procedure in the acute TTP setting and, the procedure was not associated with an increased mortality and limited morbidity.

The role of ADAMTS-13 activity and complement mutational analysis in differentiating acute thrombotic microangiopathies.

UNLABELLED: ESSENTIALS: Molecular diagnostics has improved the differentiation of acute thrombotic microangiopathys (TMAs). Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome may have features mimicking thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. We identified novel complement mutations and a high incidence of CD46, with favorable long term outcomes. Complement mutation analysis in TMA where the diagnosis is unclear and ADAMTS-13 activity is >10%. BACKGROUND: Differentiation of acute thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) at presentation has historically been dependent on clinical parameters. Confirmation of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is increasingly reliant on demonstrating deficient ADAMTS-13 activity. The identification of alternative complement pathway abnormalities in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), along with the proven efficacy of terminal complement inhibitors in treatment, has increased the need for rapid differentiation of TTP from aHUS. OBJECTIVES: We describe the clinical phenotype and nature of complement mutations in a cohort of aHUS patients referred as acute TMAs. PATIENTS/METHODS: Fourteen consecutive aHUS patients were screened for mutations in C3, CD46, CFH, CFI, and CFB, as well as factor H (FH) antibodies. All aHUS patients had ADAMTS-13 activity > 10%. RESULTS: Of 14 aHUS patients, 11 (79%) had platelet counts < 30 × 10(9) /L during the acute phase. Median presenting creatinine level was 295 µmol L(-1) , while five (36%) of 14 presented with a serum creatinine level < 200 µmol L(-1) . Alternative complement pathway mutations were detected in 9 (64%) of 14 patients, including CD46 mutations in five (36%) of 14 patients. Patients were identified with novel mutations in CFB and C3 that have not been previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that diagnostic differentiation based on platelet count and renal function is insufficient to predict an underlying complement mutation in some aHUS cases. Specifically, we demonstrate a high frequency of functionally significant CD46 mutations which may mimic TTP. ADAMTS-13 activity > 10% in a patient with a TMA should necessitate genetic screening for complement abnormalities.

Rituximab for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: benefit of early administration during acute episodes and use of prophylaxis to prevent relapse.

BACKGROUND: Rituximab has been documented in the treatment of acute (≤ 3 days from admission), relapsed/refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and given as prophylaxis in selected cases to prevent acute relapse. The precise timing of rituximab in acute TTP has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: To perform a retrospective analysis of rituximab use in a large TTP referral center over an 8-year period. PATIENTS/METHODS: We assessed response to treatment and outcome for all patients treated with rituximab, including 91 patients presenting with 104 episodes of acute TTP and 15 patients given rituximab as prophylaxis to prevent relapse. In the acute TTP group we assessed the benefit of giving early (≤ 3 days from admission) vs. later (> 3 days) rituximab. RESULTS: In acute de novo TTP, previously untreated with rituximab, rituximab was given ≤ 3 days from admission to 54 patients and > 3 days from admission to 32 patients. Earlier administration (≤ 3 days) was associated with faster attainment of remission (12 vs. 20 days, P < 0.001), fewer plasma exchanges (16 vs. 24, P = 0.03) and shorter hospital stay (16 vs. 23 days, P = 0.01). Eighty-two patients (95%) achieved complete remission within 14 days (4-52 days); four patients died acutely. Eleven out of 82 (13.4%) relapsed at a median of 24 months (4-49 months). Rituximab prophylaxis was associated with normalization of ADAMTS13 levels within 3 months in all but one case, with only one acute relapse at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited by being retrospective and non-randomized, this study demonstrates the potential benefit of early administration of rituximab in acute TTP, and prophylactic use to prevent acute relapse.

Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab: an effective chemoimmunotherapy combination with high remission rates for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

BACKGROUND: Combined Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide is now standard first-line therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and the addition of Rituximab improves outcome. METHODS: We adopted a modified Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab (FCR) protocol in treating 39 patients (median age 57 years) with progressive or advanced CLL. Depending on CR, treatment was given for four or six cycles. RESULT: Twenty-six patients were treatment naïve and 13 were pre-treated. Twelve patients had progressive Binet stage A, 16 stage B and 11 stage C disease. The overall response rate (ORR) was 100%, with 75% achieving CR. Neutropenia was the major toxicity in 71/187 (38%) of the cycles. There were five deaths, two from infection and three from progressive disease. Twenty-six of 31 patients have maintained their post-treatment disease status for a median of 17 months (2-41). CONCLUSION: We conclude that FCR is a feasible, well-tolerated and effective treatment for patients with CLL.