The treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: plasma infusion or exchange?

Classic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has substantial mortality and, because the pathogenesis is uncertain, multiple therapies are often used. These include corticosteroids and antiplatelet drugs, with plasma infusion or exchange most dramatically influencing outcome. To compare the relative efficacy of these latter two options, the records of 20 patients were retrospectively analysed. The groups were well matched for size and disease severity and received equivalent volumes of plasma. No significant difference in response rate or survival was demonstrated, although plasmapheresis may be preferable in the presence of impaired renal function with fluid overload.