TTP/HUS and prognosis: the syndrome and the disease(s)

Kidney Int Suppl. 2009 Feb:(112):S59-61. doi: 10.1038/ki.2008.623.

Abstract

Patients presenting with the syndrome of microangiopathic hemolysis and thrombocytopenia, without Shiga toxin-associated colitis, have thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS). Prognosis for TTP/HUS has changed over time from a fatal disorder associated with the classic pentad to a syndrome associated with 80% survival in the plasma exchange era. A growing number of mechanisms, including but not exclusive to severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, are now understood to result in this syndrome, and the prognosis of patients with TTP/HUS is related to many additional factors. This update on prognosis explores recent registry data studying both acquired idiopathic and also familial or recurrent forms of TTP/HUS, to delineate how mortality varies by underlying disease mechanism. This paper also explores the association between mortality and clinical presenting features, as well as whether the case is a primary or relapsed presentation. Recent data support an understanding of TTP/HUS as a heterogeneous syndrome with variable mortality, and with specific subgroups demonstrating an excellent outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / classification
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / etiology
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / mortality
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / classification
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / diagnosis
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / etiology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / mortality
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors
  • Terminology as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome