Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

A 14-year-old boy had the clinical pentad of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) consisting of fever, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, transient neurological symptoms, and renal involvement. Remission was achieved with treatment consisting of aspirin (1.2 gm/day), dipyridamole (600 mg/day), and prednisone (60 mg/day). At the time of this writing the patient has been in remission for a period of 18 months. This favorable response suggests that steroids combined with inhibitors of platelet function may be of benefit in patients with TTP. (JAMA228:1141-1143, 1974)