Anemia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anemia, including details on symptoms, diagnosis, diet, treatment, causes.

Inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency: unique presentation and treatment.

Born H, Peters A, Ettinger R

Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Gundersen Lutheran Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA.

A 3-year-old male presented with severe thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in conjunction with severe bilateral otitis media. After laboratory analysis, a diagnosis of inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency was proven. Rather than treating with prophylactic fresh frozen plasma, to date the patient has been successfully treated with single-donor, directed plasma infusions in response to early signs of relapse. It may be reasonable to consider observational and reactive care rather than prophylactic care in some cases of inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency.

Published 2 April 2008 in Pediatr Blood Cancer, 50(5): 956-7.
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