Current Standards and New Directions in the Treatment of Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

STATEMENT OF NEED

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) is a rare, life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy with a rapid onset and progression and a mortality rate of 10% to 20% with prompt treatment. Onset of aTTP is characterized by severe thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and a constellation of associated symptoms including hemorrhage, neurologic and renal manifestations, cardiac abnormalities, and mesenteric ischemia (Joly et al, 2017). Survivors of first aTTP events tend to have relapse events which need to be controlled. Rapid recognition and immediate appropriate treatment are critical for achieving optimized outcomes in aTTP. In this activity chaired by Spero Cataland, MD, Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine and Director of Benign Hematology at The Ohio State University, expert faculty will provide insightful guidance on current treatment standards and will discuss emerging therapies with the potential to improve patient outcomes in aTTP.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Hematology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to

-Evaluate the clinical and laboratory features of aTTP that can inform timely and accurate diagnosis
-Discuss how ADAMTS13 activity can be used to guide the management of aTTP
-Assess the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of novel anti-von Willebrand factor nanobodies in aTTP as elucidated by recent clinical trials
-Evaluate novel treatment combinations and sequences with the potential to improve the outcomes of patients with aTTP