A case report of uncompensated alkalosis induced by daily plasmapheresis in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Ther Apher Dial. 2008 Feb;12(1):86-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-9987.2007.00547.x.

Abstract

Plasmapheresis (PP) is widely known as the standard therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Citrate is used as an anticoagulant in fresh frozen plasma, and the large amount of citrate infused during PP induces metabolic alkalosis. A 29-year-old woman was diagnosed with TTP associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and was treated by daily PP in addition to a steroid, an immunosuppressant, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide. Uncompensated alkalosis caused by a combination of metabolic and respiratory alkalosis developed after artificial ventilation was discontinued. Her metabolic status improved after controlling her respiratory status and the activity of the TTP. Metabolic alkalosis is a common complication in TTP patients treated by frequent PP, but several factors that affect metabolic status may aggravate the alkalosis and induce uncompensated alkalosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alkalosis / etiology*
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Citric Acid / adverse effects
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Plasmapheresis / adverse effects*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / etiology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy*
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Citric Acid
  • Vincristine
  • Cyclophosphamide