COVID-19 and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Lupus Patient
Author Information
Author(s): Gao Ou, Chen Yinghua, Xie Honglang
Primary Institution: National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
Hypothesis
Can COVID-19 infection trigger thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
Conclusion
The patient successfully recovered from both COVID-19 and TTP after treatment, indicating a strong link between the viral infection and the onset of TTP.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a complete deficiency of plasma ADAMTS-13 activity, confirming the diagnosis of TTP.
- After treatment, the patient's platelet count and hemoglobin levels improved significantly.
- The patient's lupus nephritis was in remission after one year of follow-up.
Takeaway
A patient with lupus got very sick from COVID-19 and developed a rare blood condition called TTP, but after treatment, he got better.
Methodology
The patient was treated with plasma exchange, biologics, and immunosuppressants after being diagnosed with TTP following COVID-19 infection.
Limitations
The long-term prognosis remains uncertain and requires further follow-up.
Participant Demographics
A 43-year-old male with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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