Overcoming technical challenges when treating atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome with therapeutic plasma exchange

Abstract

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a very rare, life-threatening, progressive disease that frequently has a genetic component and in most cases is triggered by an uncontrolled activation of the complement system. Successful treatment of aHUS with plasma infusions and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is well reported. TPE has been the treatment of choice in most adult patients with aHUS. However, due to severe hemolysis, which is common among aHUS patients, there are some technical challenges that can affect TPE treatment such as the continuous activation of the blood leak alarm due to hemolysis. Our experience shows that such patients can be managed better on a centrifuge based TPE machine compared to a membrane based TPE machine. © 2013 Zimbudzi.