Predictors of In-hospital Mortality and Acute Myocardial Infarction in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract Background Despite the widespread availability of plasmapheresis as a therapy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of data on the predictors of poor clinical outcome in this population. Acute myocardial infarction is a recognized complication of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Little is known about the magnitude of this problem, its risk factors, and its influence on mortality in patients hospitalized with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Methods We used the 2001-2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to identify patients aged ≥18 years with the diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 446.6) who also received therapeutic plasmapheresis (ICD-9-CM code 99.71) during the hospitalization. Patients with acute myocardial infarction were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Clinical Classification Software code 100. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of in-hospital mortality and acute myocardial infarction in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients. Results Among the 4032 patients (mean age 47.5 years, 67.7% women, and 36.9% white) with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura who also underwent plasmapheresis, in-hospital mortality was 11.1%. Independent predictors of increased in-hospital mortality were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.04; P