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Rituximab in a child with autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to plasma exchange

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Abstract

A nine-year-old girl presented with headache, purpura and mild left hemiparesis. Laboratory evaluation revealed thrombotic microangiopathy with ADAMTS13 deficiency, with auto-antibodies to ADAMTS13. She was treated with plasma exchange and steroids, following which she improved transiently, relapsing within 2 months. The relapse was refractory to conventional therapy and rituximab was tried. She had good response to rituximab and has been in remission for the past 12 months. Rituximab may be a promising option for children with acquired TTP refractory to plasma exchange and steroids.

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Correspondence to Parameswaran Narayanan.

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Narayanan, P., Jayaraman, A., Rustagi, R.S. et al. Rituximab in a child with autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to plasma exchange. Int J Hematol 96, 122–124 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-012-1089-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-012-1089-7

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