[Use of plasmapheresis in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura].

A course of diagnostic process and treatment of the young female patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is discussed. First sign of the imminent disease was significant fragmentation of peripheral blood erythrocytes. Therapy included vincristine and three plasma exchanges with Fenwal CS 3000 separator with substitution of the freshly frozen plasma. It seems that such a management produced significant improvement and recovery. The authors review literature on the role of plasmapheresis in the treatment of this rare but often fatal disease.