Cyclosporin and plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: long-term follow-up with serial analysis of ADAMTS13 activity

Br J Haematol. 2007 Nov;139(3):486-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2007.06819.x.

Abstract

We hypothesized that cyclosporin (CSA) as adjunct to plasma exchange (PE) improves the efficacy of PE in idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) via suppression of the antibody inhibitor of ADAMTS13. Our preliminary findings with CSA and PE as the upfront treatment of TTP suggested that the addition of CSA to PE significantly decreased the exacerbation (disease recurrence within 30 d of the last PE) rates compared to a cohort that received corticosteroids and PE as their upfront therapy of TTP. We present an updated analysis with long-term follow-up of 18 patients with idiopathic TTP treated with concurrent CSA and PE with analysis of serial measurements of ADAMTS13 activity, antigen and inhibitor concentration in the context of clinical outcome data. Overall, 16/18 (89%) patients achieved remission, similar to historical remission rates in idiopathic TTP with PE with only one patient suffering an exacerbation. Clinical responses correlated with improvements in ADAMTS13 activity and suppression of the antibody inhibitor of ADAMTS13. These data suggest that the efficacy of CSA is at least in part related to its suppression of the antibody inhibitor of ADAMTS13 and a subsequent improvement in ADAMTS13 activity and antigen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ADAM Proteins / blood*
  • ADAM Proteins / immunology
  • ADAMTS13 Protein
  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma Exchange / methods*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / blood
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / drug therapy
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • ADAM Proteins
  • ADAMTS13 Protein
  • ADAMTS13 protein, human