Objectives: In this study, we aimed to analyze the laboratory data of patients with idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Patients and methods: A total of 20 patients (7 males, 13 females; median age 42.5 years, range 20 to 75 years) diagnosed with idiopathic TTP were retrospectively evaluated. Age, sex, median plasmapheresis count, LDH, platelet count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, indirect bilirubin levels, and treatment responses of the patients were assessed. Groups were formed according to plasmic score. Results: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels before and after plasmapheresis, on day 1, 3, and 7, total and indirect bilirubin levels, creatinine, AST/ALT, hemoglobin, leukocyte values, and platelet counts were compared. The median LDH levels of patients regressed to normal in an average of three days (range: 1-19). Mean platelet count was 47,100/µL at admission. Platelet count returned to normal in a median of 7 (3-32) days. The median number of plasmapheresis procedures was 8.5 (5-58). All patients underwent prednisolone treatment. Three patients died, in which one had severe neurological involvement. Mortality rate was 15%. Conclusion: In the treatment of TTP, monitoring of LDH, platelet count and bilurubin values is important in evaluating the treatment response of plasmapheresis process. Further studies involving patient data are needed for the plasmic score used to assess severe idiopathic ADAMTS13 deficiency.

Aim: To determine the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and midwives working in obstetrics clinics regarding legal responsibilities in medical errors. Method: This descriptive study was performed with 42 nurses and 67 midwiwes working in the Obstterics, and Gynecology Clinic of a University Hospital. The data were obtained by using an Individual questionnaire, Information Form of Nurses and Midwives Regarding Legal Liability in Medical Errors and the Scale of Attitudes towards Medical Errors. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between nurses and midwives in terms of medical malpractice (p<0.05). It was determined that there were information deficiency about the differences in the legislation of private and public hospitals on the occupational law regarding medical errors, the liability and penalty in cases of malpractice and the courts where the cases are heard. The average score on the Scale of Attitude Towards Medical Errors was found 3.60±0.38. Attitudes of nurses and midwives who received legal education related to their profession were found be more positive than those who did not take (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that nurses and midwives had favourable attitudes towards medical errors,and their attitudes were positively effected by their medicolegal training they received.