Complications of plasma exchange in 71 consecutive patients treated for clinically suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

BACKGROUND

With the increased frequency of diagnosis and improved survival of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic-uremic syndrome (TTP-HUS), the morbidity of plasma exchange (PE) treatment has become more important.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected on 71 consecutive patients referred to the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) for PE treatment for clinically suspected TTP-HUS from mid-1996 to mid-1999. Complications were defined as major or minor, and distinguished between those related to central venous catheter access or to the plasma.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (30%) had 27 major complications, which caused two deaths. The major complications included 2 episodes of hemorrhage after subclavian line insertion (1 death), 1 pneumothorax requiring a chest tube, 12 systemic infections (1 death), 7 episodes of catheter thrombosis requiring removal of the central venous catheter, 2 episodes of venous thrombosis requiring anticoagulant treatment, 2 episodes of hypoxemia and hypotension, and 1 episode of serum sickness. Minor complications occurred in 22 additional patients (31%). Twenty-eight patients (39%) had no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity and mortality of catheter placement and PE are important considerations when PE treatment for clinically suspected TTP-HUS is anticipated.