Tacrolimus (FK506) associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome in lung transplant salvage with a plasmapheresis and cyclosporin.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), a microvascular hemolytic disorder is a rare, but well described complication in organ transplant patients receiving immunosuppressant drugs. We report a 56-year-old female with a history of left lung transplant that presented to the hospital with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia while receiving tacrolimus (FK 506) for 36 months. The patient was diagnosed with tacrolimus-induced TTP/HUS and started on daily plasmapheresis, and replacement of FK506 with cyclosporine. After thirteen plasmapheresis procedures, her platelet count, lactate dehydrogenase, and hematocrit were normalized. The ADAMTS-13 activity was subnormal and no inhibitory antibody was detected. The combination of daily plasmapheresis with fresh frozen plasma as a source of ADAMTS-13 and cyclosporine may be used as a rescue therapy in patients with FK506-induced TTP/HUS.