Plasma exchange in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.

We present data on 5 cases with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura treated with plasma exchange in whom conventional drug therapy had been ineffective. In 3, preparation for splenectomy allowed the operation to be performed without bleeding problems. 1 patient who was unfit for splenectomy underwent successful coronary artery vein grafting following preparation with plasma exchange. 2 patients were maintained for variable periods with intermittent exchanges, 1 prior to splenectomy and 1 post-splenectomy. In summary we had no prolonged response to plasma exchange but found it a useful technique as preparation for or adjunctive to more conventional therapy. It was also helpful in patients unresponsive to other forms of therapy who required a brief increase in platelet count to cover surgery or spontaneous haemorrhage.