Thrombotic microangiopathies and acute kidney injury induced by artificial termination of pregnancy

Abstract

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare, but potentially lethal condition requiring rapid recognition, diagnosis and initiation of therapy. Here, we present two cases of women with hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury shortly after surgical termination of pregnancy. Histological examination of their kidneys revealed endothelial cell swelling and luminal stenosis or fibrin-containing thrombi in the glomeruli and arterioles, which support the diagnosis of TMA. The patients were treated with hemodialysis, plasma infusion and corticosteroids with or without immunosuppressive agents. Three weeks after treatment, one patient was cured and symptoms of the other patient markedly improved. Reporting of more cases of TMA associated with surgical termination of pregnancy will provide further insights into this rare disease, possibly aiding in identifying risk factors and improving time to clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.