TTP in a newborn

PubMed, the Internet portal of biomedical and life sciences literature, indexed an interesting article, entitled “Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a newborn.” (Arch Pediatr. 2006 Nov 27). Authors are Sudoir H, Roubah M, Mansuy L, et al., from the Service de neonatologie-soins intensifs et reanimation neonatales, maternite regionale et universitaire de Nancy, France. A newborn presented with haemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia and renal failure as early as the first hours of life. An early plasmatherapy was undertaken, followed by good outcome. The specific von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS 13) was found at less than 5%. This is the specific biologic diagnostic element of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or Upshaw – Schulman syndrome. It’s a rare disease which early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in order to preserve functional and vital capacities of the patient. To access the full abstract of the article, click here.