Complications of plasma exchange in 71 consecutive patients treated for clinically suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic-uremic syndrome

  1. M.A. Rizvi,
  2. S.K. Vesely,
  3. J.N. George,
  4. L. Chandler,
  5. D. Duvall,
  6. J.W. Smith,
  7. R.O. Gilcher

Article first published online: 24 APR 2002

DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2000.40080896.x

Issue

Transfusion

Transfusion

Volume 40, Issue 8, pages 896–901, August 2000

Additional Information

How to Cite

Rizvi, M., Vesely, S., George, J., Chandler, L., Duvall, D., Smith, J. and Gilcher, R. (2000), Complications of plasma exchange in 71 consecutive patients treated for clinically suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Transfusion, 40: 896–901. doi: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2000.40080896.x

Author Information

  1. From the Hematology-Oncology Section, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; and The Oklahoma Blood Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

*Address reprint requests to: James N. George, MD, Professor of Medicine, 1200 North Everett Drive, EB 271, University Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK 73104; e-mail: jim-george@ouhsc.edu.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 24 APR 2002
  2. Article first published online: 24 APR 2002
  3. Received: 02 February 1999; Revised: 31 January 2000

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Keywords:

  • OBI = Oklahoma Blood Institute;
  • PE = plasma exchange;
  • TTP-HUS = thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic-uremic syndrome

BACKGROUND: With the increased frequency of diagnosis and improved survival of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic-uremic syndrome (TTP-HUS), the morbidity of plasma exchange (PE) treatment has become more important.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on 71 consecutive patients referred to the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) for PE treatment for clinically suspected TTP-HUS from mid-1996 to mid-1999. Complications were defined as major or minor, and distinguished between those related to central venous catheter access or to the plasma.

RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (30%) had 27 major complications, which caused two deaths. The major complications included 2 episodes of hemorrhage after subclavian line insertion (1 death), 1 pneumothorax requiring a chest tube, 12 systemic infections (1 death), 7 episodes of catheter thrombosis requiring removal of the central venous catheter, 2 episodes of venous thrombosis requiring anticoagulant treatment, 2 episodes of hypoxemia and hypotension, and 1 episode of serum sickness. Minor complications occurred in 22 additional patients (31%). Twenty-eight patients (39%) had no complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity and mortality of catheter placement and PE are important considerations when PE treatment for clinically suspected TTP-HUS is anticipated.

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