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A case of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with plasmapheresis and rituximab

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Nicholas Kirui, Ahmed Sokwala

Abstract


 

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life-threatening disorder with no prevalence or incidence studies in sub-Saharan Africa. Acquired TTP has several causes, all of which lead to decreased activity of von Willebrand factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) due to autoantibodies that are directed towards ADAMTS13. We report a case of a 46-year-old man who presented with most of the classic clinical manifestations of TTP.



Authors' affiliations

Nicholas Kirui, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Ahmed Sokwala, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

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Keywords

Refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; Plasmapheresis; Rituximab

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2016;106(7):689-691. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i7.9856

Article History

Date submitted: 2015-06-23
Date published: 2016-06-17

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