Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and pregnancy: a case report and a review of the literature

How I treat thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnancy

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an acute, life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) caused by acquired or congenital severe deficiency of ADAMTS13. Pregnancy is a recognized risk factor for precipitating acute (first or recurrent) episodes of TTP. Differential diagnosis with other TMAs is particularly difficult when the first TTP event occurs during pregnancy; a high index of suspicion and prompt recognition of TTP are essential for achieving a good maternal and fetal outcome. An accurate distinction between congenital and acquired cases of pregnancy-related TTP is mandatory for safe subsequent pregnancy planning. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge on pregnancy-associated TTP and describe how we manage TTP during pregnancy in our clinical practice.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and pregnancy: therapeutic considerations

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a type of neurological autoimmune disease characterized by attacks of CNS inflammation that are often severe and predominantly affect the spinal cord and optic nerve. The majority of individuals with NMOSD are women, many of whom are of childbearing age. Although NMOSD are rare, several small retrospective studies and case reports have indicated that pregnancy can worsen disease activity and might contribute to disease onset. NMOSD disease activity seems to negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, some of the current NMOSD treatments are known to pose risks to the developing fetus and only limited safety data are available for others. Here, we review published studies regarding the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and NMOSD disease activity. We also assess the risks associated with using disease-modifying therapies for NMOSD during the course of pregnancy and breastfeeding. On the basis of the available evidence, we offer recommendations regarding the use of these therapies in the course of pregnancy planning in individuals with NMOSD.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and pregnancy: relapse-preventive measures and personalized treatment strategies

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system that predominately affect women. Some of these patients are of childbearing age at NMOSD onset. This study reviews, on the one hand, the role NMOSD play in fertility, pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcome, and on the other, the effect of pregnancy on NMOSD disease course and treatment options available during pregnancy. Animal studies show lower fertility rates in NMOSD; however, investigations into fertility in NMOSD patients are lacking. Pregnancies in NMOSD patients are associated with increased disease activity and more severe disability postpartum. Some studies found higher risks of pregnancy complications, e.g., miscarriages and preeclampsia. Acute relapses during pregnancy can be treated with methylprednisolone and/or plasma exchange/immunoadsorption. A decision to either stop or continue immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine or rituximab during pregnancy should be evaluated carefully and factor in the patient's history of disease activity. To this end, involving neuroimmunological specialist centers in the treatment and care of pregnant NMOSD patients is recommended, particularly in specific situations like pregnancy.

[Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and pregnancy]

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system that mainly affect women. In some of these patients NMOSD occurs during fertile age. For this reason, treating physicians may be confronted with questions concerning family planning, pregnancy and birth.

OBJECTIVE

This study provides an overview on the influence of NMOSD on fertility, pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcome. The effect of pregnancy on NMOSD course and therapy options during pregnancy are discussed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search of the current literature was carried out using the PubMed database.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Animal studies have shown lower fertility rates in NMOSD; however, studies investigating fertility in NMOSD patients are lacking. Pregnancy in NMOSD patients are associated with an increase in postpartum disease activity and a higher grade of disability after pregnancy. Some studies showed higher risks of pregnancy complications e. g. spontaneous abortions and preeclampsia. With a few limitations, acute relapses during pregnancy can be treated with methylprednisolone and/or plasma exchange/immunoadsorption. Stopping or continuing immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine or rituximab during pregnancy should be critically weighed considering previous and current disease activity. Therefore, a joint supervision by a specialized center is recommended, particularly in specific situations such as pregnancy.

Pregnancy complications in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case-control study

Background

Pregnant women with a history of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are considered at risk for disease recurrence and might be at risk for miscarriage, similar to other autoimmune disorders. However, the exact entity of these risks and their causes are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, in terms of both gravidic TTP and miscarriage, in women affected by previous acquired TTP.

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study in women with a history of acquired TTP enrolled in the Milan TTP registry from 1994 to October 2012, with strict inclusion criteria to reduce referral and selection bias.

Results

Fifteen out of 254 women with acquired TTP were included, namely four cases with gravidic TTP, five with miscarriage, and six controls with uncomplicated pregnancy. In the cases, ADAMTS13 activity levels in the first trimester were moderately-to-severely reduced (median levels <3% in gravidic TTP and median levels 20% [range 14-40%] in the women with miscarriage) and anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies were invariably present, while in the control group ADAMTS13 activity levels were normal (median 90%, range 40-129%), with absence of detectable anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies. Reduced levels of ADAMTS13 activity (<25%) in the first trimester were associated with an over 2.9-fold increased risk for gravidic TTP and with an over 1.2-fold increased risk for miscarriage (lower boundary of the confidence interval of the odds ratio). In addition, the presence of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies during pregnancy was associated with an over 6.6-fold increased risk for gravidic TTP and with an over 4.1-fold increased risk for miscarriage.

Conclusions

ADAMTS13 activity evaluation and detection of anti-ADAMTS13 antibody could help to predict the risk of complications in pregnant women with a history of acquired TTP.

Unfavorable course in pregnancy-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura necessitating a perimortem Cesarean section: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a type of occlusive thrombotic microangiopathy that is not specific to pregnancy but occurs with an increased frequency during it. Prognosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura greatly depends on early diagnosis and treatment. As delivery does not generally cause resolution of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, pregnancy termination is not initially considered, especially under 34 weeks, although it may be required under some conditions such as preeclampsia. Plasma therapy, including plasmapheresis, and steroids are used for treatment. In the event of an unfavorable course leading to cardiopulmonary arrest, effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures greatly depends on an early start of such measures. In pregnant patients, not only rapid implementation of these measures is required, but a decision should also be taken about the convenience of fetal delivery through a perimortem Cesarean section.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a 30-year-old primigravida white woman in week 28 of pregnancy that had a rapidly deteriorating course leading to cardiopulmonary arrest and an emergency perimortem Cesarean section resulting in fetal survival but maternal death. The patient was asymptomatic at admission and such an unfavorable evolution was initially unexpected. Analytical findings were treated with fresh frozen plasma and methylprednisolone but they did not improve. Plasmapheresis was considered but cardiac arrest rapidly ensued.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the low prevalence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, the finding in a pregnant woman of the triad consisting of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neurological changes should guide clinical diagnosis, and should prompt measurement of the metalloprotease ADAMTS-13 in order to rule out or confirm diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and evaluate the best therapeutic option. If cardiopulmonary arrest occurs in a woman with a gestational age of more than 24 weeks, a perimortem Cesarean section is advised if the patient has not recovered her pulse after the first four minutes.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in 166 pregnancies: 1955-2006

A review of pregnancy-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in 166 pregnancies was undertaken using 92 English-language publications from 1955 to 2006. Initial and recurrent TTP presents most often in the second trimester (55.5%) after 1-2 days of signs/symptoms; postpartum TTP usually occurs following term delivery. TTP with preeclampsia (n = 28) exhibits 2-4 times higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values and lower total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to AST ratios (LDH to AST ratio = 13:1), compared with TTP without preeclampsia (LDH to AST ratio = 29:1). Maternal mortality is higher with initial TTP (26% vs 10.7%), especially with concurrent preeclampsia (44.4% vs 21.8%, P < .02). Although maternal mortality with TTP has substantially declined when plasma therapy is utilized, delay of diagnosis and therapy for initial TTP confounded by preeclampsia/hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome remains a significant maternal-perinatal threat. Rapid and readily available laboratory testing to quickly diagnose TTP and HELLP syndrome/preeclampsia is desperately needed to improve care.

Transient severe fetal heart rate abnormalities in a pregnancy complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare disease. However, in pregnant women it occurs more frequently. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura may be a severe condition for both mother and fetus.

CASE

This is a case of severe but temporary fetal heart rate abnormalities in a pregnancy complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. There was a remarkably good outcome despite indications of an impaired fetal condition for a period of at least 48 hours.

CONCLUSION

Based on the literature regarding transient severe neurological symptoms in adults with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, we hypothesize that the transient fetal heart rate abnormalities were most likely due to reversible microthrombi in the placenta.

Imitators of Severe Preeclampsia

There are several obstetric, medical, and surgical disorders that share many of the clinical and laboratory findings of patients with severe preeclampsia-hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome. Imitators of severe preeclampsia-hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome are life-threatening emergencies that can develop during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. These conditions are associated with high maternal mortality, and survivors may face long-term sequelae. Perinatal mortality and morbidity also remain high in many of these conditions. The pathophysiologic abnormalities in many of these disorders include thrombotic microangiopathy, thrombocytopenia, and hemolytic anemia. Some of these disorders include acute fatty liver of pregnancy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and acute exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Because of the rarity of these conditions during pregnancy and postpartum, the available literature includes only case reports and case series describing these syndromes. Consequently, there are no systematic reviews or randomized trials on these subjects. Differential diagnosis may be difficult due to the overlap of several clinical and laboratory findings of these syndromes. It is important that the clinician make the accurate diagnosis when possible because the management and complications from these syndromes may be different. For example, severe preeclampsia and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are treated by delivery, whereas it is possible to continue pregnancy in those with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome and exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus. This review focuses on diagnosis, management, and counseling of women who develop these syndromes based on results of recent studies.

Thrombotic microangiopathies: an update

Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are microvascular occlusive disorders characterized by hemolytic anemia caused by fragmentation of erythrocytes and thrombocytopenia due to increased platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, eventually leading to disturbed microcirculation with reduced organ perfusion. Although several disease states may manifest as TMA, the two most relevant conditions associated with TMA are thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), characterized by prominent brain or renal lesions, respectively. However, occasionally the clinical distinction between these two conditions can be difficult. In this review, we focus on the epidemiologic and diagnostic criteria as well as on the most recent insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of these two conditions.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and pregnancy: a review of ten cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A series of women with pregnancy-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, is presented. This study will focus on the relationship between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and pregnancy and on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among forty-six consecutive patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, nine pregnant patients were identified.

RESULTS

Seven patients presented an acute single episode associated with pregnancy and two patients had a chronic relapsing form of the disease. None of these two patients were diagnosed during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. There was one maternal death. Fetal mortality was 33%.

CONCLUSIONS

The recurrence is rare in women who had the prior episode related to pregnancy. The risk of death for these patients seems not higher than that of the remaining patients in the series. Preterm delivery and intrauterine fetal death were frequent complications of these pregnancies.

A diagnosis not to miss

A 45-year-old woman attended accident and emergency after fainting and feeling unwell with a fever. Blood and protein were noted in the urine. A diagnosis of urinary tract infection was made and she was sent home with antibiotics. She became increasingly unwell with fever, headache and confusion before collapsing the following day.

On examination her Glasgow Coma Score was 7/15, with a fever of 38.2° C, respiratory rate of 35/minute, pulse of 120/minute and blood pressure of 160/95 mmHg. She had a widespread petechial rash. Tone was increased in all four limbs and she had extensor plantar responses. There was no neck stiffness. Her pupils were equal and reactive, but her gaze deviated to the right. Soon afterwards she had a focal fit involving the left side of her body. Her blood results were: sodium 142 mmol/litre, potassium 2.8 mmol/litre, urea 9.1 mmol/litre (blood urea nitrogen 25.3 mg/dl), creatinine 120 mmol/litre (1.44 mg/dl), glucose 12.5 mmol/litre (208 mg/dl), haemoglobin 7.7 g/dl, total white cells 21.8 × 109/litre (neutrophils 14.2 × 109/litre), platelets 8 × 109/litre. Arterial blood gases and coagulation studies were normal. A contrast computed tomography scan of the brain, performed under general anaesthesia, was normal.

Pregnancy outcomes after recovery from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Recurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP-HUS) during a subsequent pregnancy is an important concern because pregnancy may increase the risk for relapse.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Outcomes of all pregnancies after recovery from TTP-HUS in the Oklahoma TTP-HUS Registry, a cohort of 301 consecutive patients during the period of 1989 through 2003, were assessed and compared to the total published experience.

RESULTS

In the Oklahoma Registry, 3 of 7 (43%) women with idiopathic TTP-HUS, 2 of 11 (18%) women who were pregnant/postpartum, and 0 of 1 (0%) woman with a bloody diarrhea prodrome at their initial presentation were diagnosed with TTP-HUS during a subsequent pregnancy; all 5 women recovered. In published reports, 10 of 11 (91%) women with idiopathic TTP-HUS and 11 of 18 (61%) women who were pregnant/postpartum at their initial presentation, and all 11 (100%) women with congenital TTP-HUS were diagnosed with TTP-HUS during a subsequent pregnancy. Rates of recurrence in the Oklahoma Registry may be less because of case report bias for exceptional patients. Recurrent TTP-HUS was difficult to diagnose because other pregnancy-related complications were frequent.

CONCLUSIONS

Although pregnancies in these women were often complicated, a future pregnancy may be a safe and appropriate decision for women who have recovered from TTP-HUS.

Deficient activity of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a dramatic intravascular platelet-clumping disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurologic abnormalities, renal insufficiency and fever. TTP is a rare disease but is almost always fatal if untreated. More than 80% of patients survive with plasma therapy. In healthy individuals, the proteolytic cleavage of ultralarge von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers prevents spontaneous clumping of platelets in the microcirculation. Patients with TIP have either severe congenital deficiency of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (vWF-cp), or have autoantibodies that inhibit the protease. Determination of vWF-cp levels in patient plasma helps to distinguish between TTP and other thrombotic microangiopathies with similar clinical signs and symptoms. vWF-cp is a member of the ADAMTS family of metalloproteases and has been designated ADAMTS13.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and pregnancy: report of four cases and literature review

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a severe life-threatening hematological disorder affecting the microcirculation of multiple organ systems. Infection, pregnancy, cancer, drugs, and surgery are frequently associated with the initial episodes and relapses. Women who are either pregnant or in the postpartum period make up 10-25% of TTP patients, suggesting the interrelationship between TTP and pregnancy. The introduction of aggressive treatment with plasma transfusion and plasmapheresis has improved maternal and fetal survival rates. We report four cases of pregnancy-related TTP, describing the clinical course of patients, including response to therapy and pregnancy outcomes. Three out of four (75%) patients were treated by daily single session of plasmapheresis for a period ranged between 3 and 23 days. One patient had complete response to treatment with no sequelae, the second patient had resistant disease and died due to multiorgan failure, while the third patient had complete response after 2 episodes of TTP, which was complicated by intrauterine fetal growth retardation and death. Review of the previously reported cases of pregnancy-related TTP and the current treatment options for this rare condition are discussed also.

Haematological problems in pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Haematological disorders of pregnancy are common reasons for referral. It is reasonable then to devote a review to recent publications on these issues.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several narrative reviews on the management of venous thromboembolic disease in pregnancy provide exceptional guidance. They highlight, however, that most of what is done is still based on opinions from highly qualified people, extrapolated from the non-pregnant literature but not involving randomized trials on pregnant patients. It is apparent that a consensus is nearing on the management of both pregnancy-related thrombocytopenia and idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura. Several randomized controlled trials are reported on the treatment of non-deficiency anaemia, using oral iron, intravenous iron and erythropoietin, which contribute to the debate on the appropriate and best intervention for this common problematic issue.

SUMMARY

This review demonstrates the need for appropriately sized randomized trials on haematological issues in pregnancy. With heparin becoming the most common medication being administered prophylactically and therapeutically in pregnancy, it is important that quality trials are performed to guide its sensible utilization.