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A Life-Threating Postpartum Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome with Multiorgan Involvement. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236957. [PMID: 36498532 PMCID: PMC9738905 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is a very rare condition that can be triggered in predisposed patients. It can remain undiagnosed and can result in a life-threatening event or permanent renal failure. We report a case of a 36-year-old pregnant woman who developed atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome postpartum. She underwent an emergency caesarean section due to abruptio placenta, and she developed biochemical alterations suggestive of a thrombotic microangiopathy. Due to worsening of renal function after plasma exchange therapy, we decided to start therapy with eculizumab. Therapy was carried out with a weekly dose of 900 mg IV for five weeks. An improvement of clinical and biochemical parameters was rapidly observed, and her renal function completely recovered. The therapy was continued for six months, with a dose of 1200 mg of eculizumab every two weeks. One year after discontinuation of the therapy, her blood pressure and renal function were still normal. Our case confirms that it is important to promptly identify a pregnancy-related thrombotic microangiopathy and that early therapy can be life-saving for the patient and can preserve renal function, avoiding dialysis.
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2
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Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: when pregnancy leads to lifelong dialysis: a case report and literature review. Cardiovasc Endocrinol Metab 2021; 10:225-230. [PMID: 34765894 PMCID: PMC8575437 DOI: 10.1097/xce.0000000000000247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), a challenging disorder, commonly caused by inherited defects or regulatory processes of the complement alternative pathway. There are multiple causes, including pregnancy. Pregnancy provokes life-threatening episodes, preeclampsia, hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) and end-stage renal disease. Additionally, complement dysregulation and, with aHUS, affects fetal and maternal outcomes. Pregnancy-associated aHUS results in a poor prognosis with irreversible renal damage. Likewise, it is imperative to know that MAHA can provoke endothelial disruption, destruction of red cells and thrombocytopenia. We present a case of a young 18-year-old woman with MAHA and aHUS, requiring emergent cesarean section at 34 weeks of gestation and hemodialysis, secondary to complications from a recent pregnancy. Elevated blood pressure readings, rising creatinine levels, as well as her mother being on dialysis after pregnancy raised suspicion for thrombotic microangiopathy and aHUS. She was subsequently managed with plasma exchange, steroids, eculizumab and hemodialysis. Thus, plasma exchange should be initiated, with pending additional workup. Upon a definitive diagnosis of aHUS, eculizumab would be warranted to mitigate immune dysregulation. Understanding thrombotic microangiopathies diagnosis, and recognizing concomitant consequences, is vital. Having better insights into endothelial injuries can prevent unfortunate outcomes.
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3
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Management of thrombotic microangiopathy in pregnancy and postpartum: report from an international working group. Blood 2021; 136:2103-2117. [PMID: 32808006 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and postpartum are high-risk periods for different forms of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). However, the management of pregnancy-associated TMA remains ill defined. This report, by an international multidisciplinary working group of obstetricians, nephrologists, hematologists, intensivists, neonatologists, and complement biologists, summarizes the current knowledge of these potentially severe disorders and proposes a practical clinical approach to diagnose and manage an episode of pregnancy-associated TMA. This approach takes into account the timing of TMA in pregnancy or postpartum, coexisting symptoms, first-line laboratory workup, and probability-based assessment of possible causes of pregnancy-associated TMA. Its aims are: to rule thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in or out, with urgency, using ADAMTS13 activity testing; to consider alternative disorders with features of TMA (preeclampsia/eclampsia; hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets syndrome; antiphospholipid syndrome); or, ultimately, to diagnose complement-mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS; a diagnosis of exclusion). Although they are rare, diagnosing TTP and aHUS associated with pregnancy, and postpartum, is paramount as both require urgent specific treatment.
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4
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Santoro D, La Russa A, Toteda G, Perri A, Vizza D, Lupinacci S, Lofaro D, Pellicanò V, Granese R, Versaci A, Siligato R, Piccoli GB, Bonofiglio R. Identification of a New Complement Factor H Mutation in a Patient With Pregnancy-Related Acute Kidney Injury. Kidney Int Rep 2020; 5:1603-1607. [PMID: 32954088 PMCID: PMC7486194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella La Russa
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Toteda
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Anna Perri
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Vizza
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Simona Lupinacci
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Danilo Lofaro
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pellicanò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Granese
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood "G. Barresi," Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Versaci
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood "G Barresi", Section of Anesthesiology, University of Messina, Messina Italy
| | - Rossella Siligato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Giorgina Barbara Piccoli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Nephrologie Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | - Renzo Bonofiglio
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
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5
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Pishko AM, Levine LD, Cines DB. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: Diagnosis and approach to management. Blood Rev 2019; 40:100638. [PMID: 31757523 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2019.100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy presents unique challenges for the hematologist. Obstetricians generally manage many of the pregnancy-specific etiologies, ranging from the benign (gestational thrombocytopenia) to the life-threatening (preeclampsia; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome; and acute fatty liver of pregnancy). However, hematologists may be consulted for atypical and severe presentations and to help manage non-pregnancy specific etiologies, including immune thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome, among others, in which maternal and fetal risks must be considered. This review provides a general approach to the diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy for the consulting hematologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson M Pishko
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Lisa D Levine
- Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Douglas B Cines
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Rondeau E, Cataland SR, Al-Dakkak I, Miller B, Webb NJA, Landau D. Eculizumab Safety: Five-Year Experience From the Global Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Registry. Kidney Int Rep 2019; 4:1568-1576. [PMID: 31890998 PMCID: PMC6933459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Eculizumab has transformed outcomes for patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Its efficacy and safety profile was well characterized in the clinical trial program. The long-term safety profile was not previously assessed or compared against nontreated patients in an observational registry setting. Methods The Global aHUS Registry recruits patients with clinical diagnoses of aHUS. This analysis includes baseline characteristics and targeted safety events from adult and pediatric patients who were "ever treated" versus "never treated" with eculizumab in the first 5 years of the registry, through January 26, 2017. Results Overall, 1321 patients (adult, n = 842; pediatric, n = 479; ever treated, n = 865; never treated, n = 456) were enrolled. A higher proportion of ever-treated versus never-treated adult and pediatric patients had renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, central nervous system, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hepatic impairment. No differences in safety event rates between ever-treated and never-treated patients were observed, except serious infections in pediatric patients (5.15 versus 1.12 events/100 patient-years for ever- and never-treated patients, respectively). Deaths were more frequent in adult (4.7% and 9.9% of ever- and never-treated patients) compared with pediatric patients (1.8% of ever-treated patients; no deaths in never-treated patients).Three meningococcal infections were reported in ever-treated patients; 1 infection led to a fatal outcome. Conclusion In this large observational dataset covering 5 years of registry enrollment, no new safety concerns were identified for adult or pediatric eculizumab-treated patients with aHUS, confirming a positive benefit-risk profile in a real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rondeau
- Urgences Néphrologiques et Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital Tenon, and Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Spero R Cataland
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Imad Al-Dakkak
- Global Epidemiology, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin Miller
- Global Epidemiology, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas J A Webb
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, University of Manchester, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Landau
- Schneider Children's Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Petach Tikva, Israel
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Socié G, Caby-Tosi MP, Marantz JL, Cole A, Bedrosian CL, Gasteyger C, Mujeebuddin A, Hillmen P, Vande Walle J, Haller H. Eculizumab in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome: 10-year pharmacovigilance analysis. Br J Haematol 2019; 185:297-310. [PMID: 30768680 PMCID: PMC6594003 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Eculizumab is the first and only medication approved for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) treatment. However, eculizumab safety based on long‐term pharmacovigilance is unknown. This analysis summarises safety data collected from spontaneous and solicited sources from 16 March 2007 through 1 October 2016. Cumulative exposure to eculizumab was 28 518 patient‐years (PY) (PNH, 21 016 PY; aHUS, 7502 PY). Seventy‐six cases of meningococcal infection were reported (0·25/100 PY), including eight fatal PNH cases (0·03/100 PY). Susceptibility to meningococcal infections remained the key risk in patients receiving eculizumab. The meningococcal infection rate decreased over time; related mortality remained steady. The most commonly reported serious nonmeningococcal infections were pneumonia (11·8%); bacteraemia, sepsis and septic shock (11·1%); urinary tract infection (4·1%); staphylococcal infection (2·6%); and viral infection (2·5%). There were 434 reported cases of eculizumab exposure in pregnant women; of 260 cases with known outcomes, 70% resulted in live births. Reporting rates for solid tumours (≈0·6/100 PY) and haematological malignancies (≈0·74/100 PY) remained stable over time. No new safety signals affecting the eculizumab benefit‐risk profile were identified. Continued awareness and implementation of risk mitigation protocols are essential to minimise risk of meningococcal and other Neisseria infections in patients receiving eculizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérard Socié
- Hematology/Transplantation, APHP Hospital Saint Louis, University Paris VII, Paris, France
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8
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Gaggl M, Aigner C, Csuka D, Szilágyi Á, Prohászka Z, Kain R, Haninger N, Knechtelsdorfer M, Sunder-Plassmann R, Sunder-Plassmann G, Schmidt A. Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Pregnancies in Women with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 29:1020-1029. [PMID: 29282226 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016090995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical HUS (aHUS) is a disorder most commonly caused by inherited defects of the alternative pathway of complement, or the proteins that regulate this pathway, and life-threatening episodes of aHUS can be provoked by pregnancy. We retrospectively and prospectively investigated 27 maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes in 14 women with aHUS from the Vienna Thrombotic Microangiopathy Cohort. Seven pregnancies (26%) were complicated by pregnancy-associated aHUS (p-aHUS), of which three appeared to be provoked by infection, bleeding, and curettage, and three individuals were considered to have preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome before the definitive diagnosis of p-aHUS was made. Mutations in genes that encode the complement alternative pathway proteins or the molecules that regulate this pathway were detected in 71% of the women, with no relationship to pregnancy outcome. Twenty-one pregnancies (78%) resulted in a live birth, two preterm infants were stillborn, and four pregnancies resulted in early spontaneous abortions. Although short-term renal outcome was good in most women, long-term renal outcome was poor; among the 14 women, four had CKD stage 1-4, five had received a renal allograft, and three were dialysis-dependent at study end. We prospectively followed nine pregnancies of four women and treated six of these pregnancies with prophylactic plasma infusions (one pregnancy resulted in p-aHUS, one intrauterine fetal death occurred, and seven pregancies were uneventful). Our study emphasizes the frequency of successful pregnancies in women with aHUS. Close monitoring of such pregnancies for episodes of thrombotic microangiopathy is essential but, the best strategy to prevent these episodes remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Gaggl
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III,
| | - Christof Aigner
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III
| | - Dorottya Csuka
- Research Laboratory, 3rd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Ágnes Szilágyi
- Research Laboratory, 3rd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Zoltán Prohászka
- Research Laboratory, 3rd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | | | | | | | - Raute Sunder-Plassmann
- Genetics Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alice Schmidt
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III
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9
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Cines DB, Levine LD. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2017; 2017:144-151. [PMID: 29222249 PMCID: PMC6142617 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2017.1.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia develops in 5% to 10% of women during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. A low platelet count is often an incidental feature, but it might also provide a biomarker of a coexisting systemic or gestational disorder and a potential reason for a maternal intervention or treatment that might pose harm to the fetus. This chapter reflects our approach to these issues with an emphasis on advances made over the past 5 to 10 years in understanding and managing the more common causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Recent trends in the management of immune thrombocytopenia translate into more women contemplating pregnancy while on treatment with thrombopoietin receptor agonists, rituximab, or mycophenylate, which pose known or unknown risks to the fetus. New criteria to diagnose preeclampsia, judicious reliance on measurement of ADAMTS13 to make management decisions in suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, new evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of anticomplement therapy for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome during pregnancy, and implications of thrombotic microangiopathies for subsequent pregnancies are evolving rapidly. The goals of the chapter are to help the hematology consultant work through the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy based on trimester of presentation, severity of thrombocytopenia, and coincident clinical and laboratory manifestations, and to provide guidance for dealing with some of the more common and difficult diagnostic and management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B. Cines
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Medicine, and
| | - Lisa D. Levine
- Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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10
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Huerta A, Arjona E, Portoles J, Lopez-Sanchez P, Rabasco C, Espinosa M, Cavero T, Blasco M, Cao M, Manrique J, Cabello-Chavez V, Suñer M, Heras M, Fulladosa X, Belmar L, Sempere A, Peralta C, Castillo L, Arnau A, Praga M, Rodriguez de Cordoba S. A retrospective study of pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Kidney Int 2017; 93:450-459. [PMID: 28911789 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) refers to the thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from uncontrolled complement activation during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Pregnancy-associated aHUS is a devastating disease for which there is a limited clinical understanding and treatment experience. Here we report a retrospective study to analyze the clinical and prognostic data of 22 cases of pregnancy-associated aHUS from the Spanish aHUS Registry under different treatments. Sixteen patients presented during the first pregnancy and as many as nine patients required hemodialysis at diagnosis. Identification of inherited complement abnormalities explained nine of the 22 cases, with CFH mutations and CFH to CFHR1 gene conversion events being the most prevalent genetic alterations associated with this disorder (66%). In thirteen of the cases, pregnancy complications were sufficient to trigger a thrombotic microangiopathy in the absence of genetic or acquired complement alterations. The postpartum period was the time with highest risk to develop the disease and the group shows an association of cesarean section with pregnancy-associated aHUS. Seventeen patients underwent plasma treatments with a positive renal response in only three cases. In contrast, ten patients received eculizumab with an excellent renal response in all, independent of carrying or not inherited complement abnormalities. Although the cohort is relatively small, the data suggest that pregnancy-associated aHUS is not different from other types of aHUS and suggest the efficacy of eculizumab treatment over plasma therapies. This study may be useful to improve prognosis in this group of aHUS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huerta
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Emilia Arjona
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biological Research, Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Portoles
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Lopez-Sanchez
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Rabasco
- RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mario Espinosa
- RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Cavero
- RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miquel Blasco
- RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Joaquin Manrique
- Department of Nephrology, Clinica Universitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Marta Suñer
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Heras
- Department of Nephrology, Complejo Asistencial de Segovia, Segovia, Spain
| | - Xavier Fulladosa
- RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lara Belmar
- RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Amparo Sempere
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitari Politecnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Peralta
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Lorena Castillo
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Arnau
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donostia, Spain
| | - Manuel Praga
- RedinRen RD016/009/009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Rodriguez de Cordoba
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biological Research, Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Abstract
Thrombocytopenia develops in 5% to 10% of women during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. A low platelet count is often an incidental feature, but it might also provide a biomarker of a coexisting systemic or gestational disorder and a potential reason for a maternal intervention or treatment that might pose harm to the fetus. This chapter reflects our approach to these issues with an emphasis on advances made over the past 5 to 10 years in understanding and managing the more common causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Recent trends in the management of immune thrombocytopenia translate into more women contemplating pregnancy while on treatment with thrombopoietin receptor agonists, rituximab, or mycophenylate, which pose known or unknown risks to the fetus. New criteria to diagnose preeclampsia, judicious reliance on measurement of ADAMTS13 to make management decisions in suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, new evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of anticomplement therapy for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome during pregnancy, and implications of thrombotic microangiopathies for subsequent pregnancies are evolving rapidly. The goals of the chapter are to help the hematology consultant work through the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy based on trimester of presentation, severity of thrombocytopenia, and coincident clinical and laboratory manifestations, and to provide guidance for dealing with some of the more common and difficult diagnostic and management decisions.
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12
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Quiroga B, de Lorenzo A, Vega C, de Alvaro F. A Case Report and Literature Review of Eculizumab Withdrawal in Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2016; 17:950-956. [PMID: 27974740 PMCID: PMC5179232 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.899764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in the treatment of atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS) have resulted to better long-term survival rates for patients with this life-threatening disease. However, many questions remain such as whether or not long-term treatment is necessary in some patients and what are the risks of prolonged therapy. CASE REPORT Here, we discuss the case of a 37-year-old woman with CFH and CD46 genetic abnormalities who developed aHUS with severe renal failure. She was successfully treated with three doses of rituximab and a three month treatment with eculizumab. After eculizumab withdrawal, symptoms of thrombotic micro-angiopathy (TMA) recurred, therefore eculizumab treatment was restarted. The patient exhibited normal renal function and no symptoms of aHUS at one-year follow-up with further eculizumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the clinical challenges of the diagnosis and management of patient with aHUS with complement-mediated TMA involvement. Attention was paid to the consequences of the treatment withdrawal. Exact information regarding genetic abnormalities and renal function associated with aHUS, as well as estimations of the relapse risk and monitoring of complement tests may provide insights into the efficacy of aHUS treatment, which will enable the prediction of therapeutic responses and testing of new treatment options. Improvements in our understanding of aHUS and its causes may facilitate the identification of patients in whom anti-complement therapies can be withdrawn without risk.
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13
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Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in the setting of complement-amplifying conditions: case reports and a review of the evidence for treatment with eculizumab. J Nephrol 2016; 30:347-362. [PMID: 27848226 PMCID: PMC5437142 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-016-0357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, genetic, progressive, life-threatening form of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) predominantly caused by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of the complement system. Complement-amplifying conditions (CACs), including pregnancy complications [preeclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome], malignant hypertension, autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and others, are associated with the onset of TMA in up to 69 % of cases of aHUS. CACs activate the alternative pathway of complement and may be comorbid with aHUS or may unmask a previously undiagnosed case. In this review, three case reports are presented illustrating the onset and diagnosis of aHUS in the setting of different CACs (pregnancy complications, malignant hypertension, renal transplantation). The report also reviews the evidence for a variety of CACs, including those mentioned above as well as infections and drug-induced TMA, and the overlap with aHUS. Finally, we introduce an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of aHUS in the setting of CACs. If TMA persists despite initial management for the specific CAC, aHUS should be considered. The terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab should be initiated for all patients with confirmed diagnosis of aHUS, with or without a comorbid CAC.
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14
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Abstract
The biology of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome has been shown to involve inability to limit activation of the alternative complement pathway, with subsequent damage to systemic endothelial beds and the vasculature, resulting in the prototypic findings of a thrombotic microangiopathy. Central to this process is the formation of the terminal membrane attack complex C5b-9. Recently, application of a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to C5, eculizumab, became available to treat patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, replacing plasma exchange or infusion as primary therapy. This review focuses on the evidence, based on published clinical trials, case series, and case reports, on the efficacy and safety of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian M Pereira Palma
- Pediatric Nephrology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Craig B Langman
- The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, and the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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15
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Thomas MR, Robinson S, Scully MA. How we manage thrombotic microangiopathies in pregnancy. Br J Haematol 2016; 173:821-30. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mari R. Thomas
- Department of Haematology; UCLH; Cardiometabolic programme- NIHR UCLH/UCL BRC; London UK
| | | | - Marie A. Scully
- Department of Haematology; UCLH; Cardiometabolic programme- NIHR UCLH/UCL BRC; London UK
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16
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Pregnancy associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: Practical issues for patient management. Transfus Apher Sci 2015; 53:262-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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17
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Marson P, Gervasi MT, Tison T, Colpo A, De Silvestro G. Therapeutic apheresis in pregnancy: General considerations and current practice. Transfus Apher Sci 2015; 53:256-61. [PMID: 26621537 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is widely known that pregnancy does not represent a contraindication to therapeutic apheresis (TA) techniques. In fact, since the first experiences of TA in pregnancy for the prevention of hemolytic disease of the newborn, several diseases are at present treated with TA, mainly within 6 clinical categories: (a) TA is a priority and has no alternative equally effective treatment (e.g., thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura); (b) TA is a priority but there are alternative therapies not contraindicated in pregnancy (e.g., myasthenia gravis); (c) TA is an effective tool of saving/avoiding drugs contraindicated in pregnancy (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus); (d) TA is a treatment of specific conditions/complications of pregnancy with maternal and/or fetal risk (e.g., antiphospholipid syndrome); (e) TA is a treatment of specific conditions of pregnancy with exclusive fetal risk (e.g., hemolytic disease of the newborn); (f) TA is a treatment of disease which is strongly indicated and can exceptionally occur during pregnancy (e.g., Goodpasture's syndrome). When dealing with TA pregnant patients, some technical aspects due to the physiological changes of gestation have to be carefully considered, in particular the increase of the circulating blood volume. Moreover a multidisciplinary medical team, including an obstetrician, a clinical consultant, specialist in TA and in transfusion medicine, and a neonatologist stand as a basic requirement for the proper management of some clinical conditions that may be characterized by high maternal and fetal risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Marson
- Apheresis Unit, Blood Transfusion Service, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Gervasi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department for Health of Woman and Child, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tiziana Tison
- Apheresis Unit, Blood Transfusion Service, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Colpo
- Apheresis Unit, Blood Transfusion Service, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giustina De Silvestro
- Apheresis Unit, Blood Transfusion Service, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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18
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Successful eculizumab treatment of recurrent postpartum atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome after kidney transplantation. Clin Nephrol Case Stud 2015; 3:8-13. [PMID: 29043127 PMCID: PMC5438012 DOI: 10.5414/cncs108491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disorder associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes. We describe a case of severe postpartum aHUS with recurrence in a kidney allograft after a second pregnancy. The patient had initially presented age 28 years with aHUS that developed after her first delivery. In spite of treatment with plasma exchange, she developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring years of hemodialysis before receiving a kidney transplant from a living unrelated donor. Two years later, she became pregnant again and at 26 weeks gestation she presented to our hospital with hypertension and proteinuria. Within 48 hours of delivery she developed hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and oliguric acute kidney injury (AKI) culminating in the need for dialysis. There was no response to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). However, treatment with eculizumab led to prompt, successful resolution of hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and AKI. Three months after therapy was stopped, her disease relapsed causing renal failure again requiring dialysis. At that time, an allograft biopsy revealed severe thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Eculizumab was resumed without plasma exchange leading to resolution of aHUS and return of kidney function. Now, her baby is nearly 2 years old. She remains on maintenance eculizumab therapy 1,200 mg every 2 weeks without dialysis. She has excellent renal function with creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL, eGFR 52 mL/min/1.73 m, and proteinuria 0.35 g/day. She will likely be on eculizumab for the remainder of her life.
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