[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with interferon therapy in a HIV and HCV co-infected woman]

Rev Med Interne. 2013 Dec;34(12):773-5. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2013.03.003. Epub 2013 May 9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Causes of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are multiple and rarely iatrogenic.

Case report: A 40-year-old, HIV and hepatitis C virus co-infected woman was treated with interferon and ribavirine and developed a TTP confirmed by the presence of anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies. The outcome was favourable when treatment was discontinued and rituximab infusion administered.

Conclusion: The occurrence of anemia and thrombocytopenia in patients treated with interferon and ribavirine is not always related to direct toxicities of these treatments. The ADAMS 13 testing may help the clinician to diagnose iatrogenic acquired TTP.

Keywords: Interferon; Interféron; Purpura thrombotique thrombocytopénique; Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Coinfection / drug therapy
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV-1
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / chemically induced*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / diagnosis
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Proteins / adverse effects
  • Ribavirin / administration & dosage
  • Ribavirin / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Ribavirin
  • peginterferon alfa-2a

Supplementary concepts

  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, acquired