Publication: Severe Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treated with Plasma Exchange
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a hematological disorder characterized
by immunologically mediated destruction of platelets and absence of other causes of
thrombocytopenia. Treatment is required when the low platelet count entails risk of
serious bleeding. Steroid is the first line of management. Acute refractory ITP with very
low platelet count is variably treated with high dose steroid, intravenous immunoglobulin
(IVIg), anti D or emergency splenectomy. Here, we present a case of steroid resistant ITP
with severe thrombocytopenia treated with plasma exchange and low dose IVIg who
responded dramatically to the therapy with maintained platelet count till one month
from the institution of therapy.
KEY WORDS
immune thrombocytopenic purpura, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange
Description
Sigdel M R, Shah D S, Kafle M P, Raut K B
Department of Internal Medicine, TU Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.