Article

Case Report

Korean J Clin Pathol 2000; 20(6): 604-608

Published online December 1, 2000

Copyright © Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine.

Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of Cyclosporine Induced Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Following Kidney Transplantation

안제준?임인수?박종권*?김종완

Abstract

Background :Hemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by a triad of clinical findings, including microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. The precise etiology and pathogenesis of hemolytic uremic syndrome have not yet been established. According to clinical reports, hemolytic uremic syndrome is associated with infection (bacteria, virus), connective tissue disease, malignancy, drug and pregnancy. Recently, many investigators have reported that cyclosporine induces hemolytic uremic syndrome. Cyclosporine is one of the immunosuppressants that are essential for kidney transplantation. We experienced one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome that developed after kidney transplantation receiving cyclosporine. A 43-yr-old woman with end-stage renal failure received kidney transplantation from her daughter. After the operation, she received cyclosporine for immunosuppression, however, thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and acute renal failure were developed. She was diagnosed as having cyclosporine-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome and plasma exchange was started with fresh frozen plasma. The plasma exchange was done 16 times and the clinical symptoms improved. We present this case with review of literatures. Method : Result : Conclusion :

Keywords: Hemolytic uremic syndrome, Plasma exchange, Cyclosporine, Kidney transplantation