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AJP Rep 2012; 02(01): 037-038
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1305799
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Management of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura with Autoantibodies to ADAMTS-13 and Concurrent Preeclampsia in Pregnancy: Multidisciplinary Team Approach

Tiffany Patrick
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Winnie Palmer Hospital, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Orlando, Florida
,
Steve J. Carlan
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Winnie Palmer Hospital, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Orlando, Florida
,
Jose Eugenio Najera
2   Department of Hematology/Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida
,
Julie Eastwood
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Winnie Palmer Hospital, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Orlando, Florida
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

17 October 2011

01 December 2011

Publication Date:
22 February 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Background Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) can present with many laboratory features of preeclampsia, which can make an accurate diagnosis difficult in late pregnancy. Because the treatments of TTP and preeclampsia are different and the clinical sequelae of delayed therapy potentially lethal, a rapid and accurate diagnosis is important.

Case Report We present a case of an acute episode of TTP secondary to acquired autoantibodies complicated by severe preeclampsia with headache and treated with corticosteroids, plasma exchange therapy, magnesium sulfate, and delivery. The postpartum course was complicated and resulted in a prolonged hospital stay. A multidisciplinary team was recruited as consultants.

Conclusion Concurrent TTP and severe preeclampsia can result in life-threatening complications. To ensure the best possible clinical outcome, an awareness of the medical systems' resources is required.

Keywords

TTP - severe preeclampsia - multidisciplinary team - autoantibodies
 

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