Abstract
BackgroundIncidences of immune thrombocytopenic purpura occur in 1 in every 1000–10,000 pregnancies accounting for 3% of all thrombocytopenic pregnancies. A pre-existing immune thrombocytopenic purpura is known to be a risk factor for developing thrombocytopenia during pregnancy. We present here the treatment regime and management of a patient with known immune thrombocytopenic purpura who developed postpartum thrombotic thrombocytopenia with atypical response to traditional therapy.Pregnant women are more vulnerable to immune thrombocytopenic purpura or thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Pregnancy or postpartum thrombotic thrombocytopenia accounts for 10–25% of all thrombotic thrombocytopenia.Case presentationThis case report deals with the treatment regime and management of a patient with known immune thrombocytopenic purpura who developed postpartum thrombotic thrombocytopenia. A 30-year-old Middle Eastern woman, with a prior diagnosis of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura had remained off-the-treatment for many years. After primary unexplained infertility for 8 years, for which she underwent six failed trials of in vitro fertilization, she delivered a healthy baby through caesarean section. Two days post-surgery, she had persistent thrombocytopenia, ecchymoses, bruises, and hemolysis. Her blood film revealed leukoerythroblastic anemia. Her blood tests also revealed a very low level of haptoglobin, and low level of ADAMTS13. A diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenia was suspected. Plasma exchange therapy was started with partial response. We showed that rituximab in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil following plasma exchange therapy was effective in controlling the low platelet count in our patient.ConclusionsRituximab in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil following plasma exchange therapy was effective in controlling the low platelet count in our patient. Only two doses of rituximab were sufficient to normalize our patient. We present here a case of safe and effective use of rituximab in pregnancy-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia.
Highlights
Rituximab in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil following plasma exchange therapy was effective in controlling the low platelet count in our patient
We present here a case of safe and effective use of rituximab in pregnancy-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia
The ADAMTS13 level of our patient of 11% made the diagnosis of TTP difficult
Summary
The ADAMTS13 level of our patient of 11% made the diagnosis of TTP difficult. the PEX applications were ineffective in managing her platelet and Hb levels to normal. The impact of ADAMTS13 levels and the presence of its inhibitors on overall survival, ultimate clinical outcome, responsiveness to plasma exchange, and relapse in pregnancy-related TTP are still controversial. Studies assessing this clinical correlation are recommended. We present here a case of safe and effective use of rituximab in pregnancy-induced TTP. OA-K contributed to the literature search and writing up of the paper. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript. Consent for publication Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report. Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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