Abstract
Background. We present a case report of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) developing in a kidney/pancreas transplant recipient after the initiation of treatment with clopidogrel for symptomatic coronary artery disease. Methods. A 35-year-old male kidney/pancreas recipient developed unstable angina 5 years after transplantation. The patient was treated with clopidogrel as adjunct therapy. A TTP/HUS condition developed, was diagnosed early, and successfully reversed with the implementation of plasmapheresis and cessation of clopidogrel and cyclosporine A. Results. The patient continues taking cyclosporine A with good renal function 6 months after the incident, and successfully underwent coronary artery by-pass grafting 3 months after the event. Discussion. This case demonstrates that early identification and treatment can reverse the TTP/HUS process associated with thienopyridine-derived agents. We strongly recommend that drugs of the thienopyridine class be used cautiously in transplant recipients, especially those taking calcineurin-inhibitors.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 550-552 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Transplantation |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 15 2000 |