Treatment of Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura: A New Paradigm.

Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (cTTP) is a very rare disorder worldwide. Standard treatment of recognized cases has been to administer fresh frozen plasma as the source of ADAMTS13, to replenish the absent ADAMTS13 enzyme. An alternative source, a plasma-derived factor VIII concentrate used for hemophilia A, and found to contain this enzyme, was reported to be effective in 1 patient in the United States.

Biventricular pacing in congestive heart failure: a boost toward finer living.

With 550,000 new cases each year, congestive heart failure is a major medical problem. Several medical therapies, including digoxin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and beta-blockers, have reduced the number of re-hospitalizations and slowed the progression of congestive heart failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, some beta-blockers, and the combination of hydralazine with nitrates have improved survival.