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Pregnancy-Associated Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Successfully Treated with Ravulizumab: A Case Report

Overview
Journal Cureus
Date 2024 Mar 18
PMID 38496102
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Abstract

Pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (p-aHUS) refers to a pregnancy that leads to thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). This disease is associated with adverse maternal outcomes. We encountered a case of p-aHUS, in which treatment with ravulizumab, a long-acting C5 inhibitor, resulted in a favorable clinical course and recovery of renal function. The patient was a 31-year-old woman with no apparent medical history. She developed TMA on the third postpartum day and was initially treated with steroids, plasma exchange, and hemodialysis (HD). On the seventh day of treatment initiation, she was diagnosed with p-aHUS, and treatment with ravulizumab was started. Following administration, her platelet count increased, and her acute kidney injury improved. Consequently, HD was discontinued after six sessions, and the patient was discharged on the 28th day of treatment initiation and continued her recovery at home. Similar to eculizumab, ravulizumab is an effective treatment for p-aHUS. Early administration of ravulizumab after diagnosis of p-aHUS may contribute to favorable clinical outcomes and recovery of renal function, as observed in the present case.

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