- hematology home
- immunology home
- signs and symptoms
- investigations
- conditions and diseases
Section Links
Thrombotic Throbocytopenic Purpura
- causes and risk factors
- signs, symptoms, and diagnosis
- pathophysiology
- treatments
- consequences and course
- the patient
- health care team
- community involvement
- resources and references
Causes and Risk Factors
Deficiency of metalloproteinase, responsible for breaking down vWF multimers
- congenital (ADAMTS-13)
- acquired: drugs, malignancy, HIV, idiopathic)
Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
- history
- physical exam
- lab investigations
- diagnostic imaging
History
Neurological symptoms
- headache
- confusion
- focal deficits
- seizures
Pathophysiology
vWF is secreted by endothelial cells in a large polymer and is rapidly cleaved by ADAMTS-13.
Treatments
Plasmapheresis and steroids are the treatments of choice. Plasma infusion should be given if plasmapheresis is not immediately available.
Do NOT give platelets, as this can increase rates of intravascular thrombosis.
Consequences and Course
TTP rates of mortality are 90% if untreated.
Resources and References