Use of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura complicating systemic lupus erythematosus: report of two cases

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an unusual complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There are no randomized, prospective studies of its treatment. The association of plasma infusions and (or) plasmapheresis with steroids improves survival when compared with steroid treatment alone, but these patients still have a higher mortality than those with "classic" TTP. The role of immunosuppressive drugs in the management of this disorder remains uncertain. We report two cases of TTP in SLE which presumably benefited from the addition of cyclophosphamide to the treatment with plasmapheresis and steroids.