Quantification of Schistocytes from the Peripheral Blood Smear in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) Compared to Non-TTP Thrombocytopenic Hospitalized Patients

Conclusions:This retrospective study showed that manual quantification of schistocytes is feasible, may be done in a timely fashion and with excellent interobserver reproducibility. All pts had some degree of MAHA but the TTP cases, not surprisingly, had a significantly higher percentage of schistocytes/1000 RBCs than non-TTP thrombocytopenic in-pt consult cases (6% vs 0.625%, respectively, p= 0.00002). All cases of low ADAMTS, positive inhibitor confirmed TTP had >2.5% schistocytes, compared to 4/20 non-TTP cases. A larger cohort of acquired TTP should be studied to determine if there is a cut-off % schistocytes which, in the appropriate clinical setting, should warrant urgent plasma exchange while waiting for ADAMTS levels to return.1George JN and Al-Noun ZL. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the TTP and HUS syndromes. ASH Education Book. 2012, p. 604-609.2Zini G et al. ICSH recommendations for identification, diagnostic value, and quantitation of schistocytes. International J of Lab Hematology. 2011; 34: 107-116.DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Source: Blood - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: 311. Disorders of Platelet Number or Function Source Type: research