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A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a treatable cause of childhood encephalopathy
1Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 1, 1997
Insights
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare childhood disorder. Plasma exchange therapy effectively treated TTP in two young patients, rapidly resolving their symptoms and encephalopathy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Neurology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and organ damage.
- Childhood TTP is exceptionally rare, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients under 13 years of age presented with clinical manifestations consistent with TTP.
- Both patients exhibited neurological symptoms, indicative of TTP-associated encephalopathy.
Findings:
- Plasma exchange therapy was initiated in both pediatric TTP cases.
- Rapid and complete resolution of hematological abnormalities and neurological symptoms was observed following plasma exchange.
Implications:
- This case series highlights plasma exchange as a highly effective treatment modality for TTP in children.
- Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of plasma exchange can significantly improve outcomes for children with TTP, including those with encephalopathy.
- Further research into the specific mechanisms and long-term effects of TTP in pediatric patients is warranted.
Abstract:
We describe two patients less than 13 years of age with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a rare disorder in childhood. Both children were treated with plasma exchange therapy, which resulted in a rapid resolution of symptoms. This disorder is a cause of childhood encephalopathy, which can be treated effectively with plasma exchange.
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