Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2003 Oct;46(10):2079-2082.

A Case of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Pregnancy

• Kim JM
• Lee HH
• Kim TH
• Kim HM
• Yeo SJ
• Nam KH
• Shim YK
• Lee KH

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is quiet rare, with 1 of 25,000 delivery and complicating pregnancy is associated with high maternal mortality and long-term morbidity. Unfortunately the clinical appearance of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is similar with the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, and low platelet (HELLP), but the treatment of this differs from that of the HELLP syndrome or acute fatty liver of pregnancy, therefore accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal therapy. The survival of this disorder has been improved due to aggressive treatment with plasma transfusion or plasmapheresis. We have experienced a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura confused with HELLP syndrome of preeclampsia, so we report it with a brief review of literature.

Keyword

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; HELLP syndrome; Plasmapheresis

MeSH Terms

Blood Platelets
Diagnosis
Fatty Liver
Female
HELLP Syndrome
Hemolysis
Liver
Maternal Mortality
Plasma
Plasmapheresis
Pre-Eclampsia
Pregnancy*
Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic*