Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Researchers from University of Texas report on findings in thrombocytopenic purpura

"Various drugs and autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome, have been observed in association with TTP. Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) has been reported less frequently in association with TTP. Presentation: We report the case of a 43-year-old African American man who initially presented with fever and joint pain and was later diagnosed with TTP. He responded initially to plasma exchange, but never achieved complete remission. He eventually required splenectomy for complete resolution of symptoms of TTP, but the arthritis never resolved, resulting in several admissions for joint pain. The arthritis was eventually diagnosed as AOSD. Literature review shows that the autoimmune diseases usually associated with TTP include systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome. Eight reports of AOSD with TTP have been reported, but our case is unique in several aspects. Previous case reports have described TTP occurring in patients with known AOSD; here, we describe TTP preceding or coinciding with the onset of AOSD. Interestingly, the patient's AOSD-associated arthritis responded to plasma exchange, but did not resolve after splenectomy," wrote M. Gopal and colleagues, University of Texas.

The researchers concluded: "The coincident onset of AOSD and TTP in this patient lead us to suspect a common pathophysiologic pathway in the pathogenesis for both of these diseases."

Gopal and colleagues published their study in American Journal of the Medical Sciences (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Adult Onset Still's Disease. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 2009;337(5):373-376).

For more information, contact J.B. Alperin, University of Texas Med Branch, Dept. of Internal Medical, Division Hematology & Oncology, Route 0565, 4-160 John Sealy Annex, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.

Publisher contact information for the American Journal of the Medical Sciences is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: United States, Galveston, Adult Onset Still Disease, Adult-Onset Still's Disease, Autoimmune Disease, Autoimmune Disorder, Enzyme Research, Enzymology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Immunology, Joint Pain, Metalloproteinases, Orthopedics, Protease, Rheumatology, Splenectomy, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Von Willebrand Disease, University of Texas.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.