Signs of Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP)

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (Ttp)

Description

A rare and life threatening blood disorder. Blood clots develop in the small blood vessels of many of the organs of the body. These clots cause damage to the kidneys, brain and lungs causing the many symptoms that can be seen with TTP. These blood clots also consume most of the platelets in the body resulting in a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). TTP is associated with pregnancy, certain cancers, HIV infection, autoimmune diseases, medications, and serious infections (sepsis).

Symptoms

Pinpoint red spots under the skin (petichiae). Purplish bruises on the skin, mouth, or vaginal area (purpura). Confusion, seizures, weakness, numbness, fever, blood in urine (hematuria), anemia, breathing problems, yellow skin color (jaundice).

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. Blood test and imaging will be done to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other disorders and identify damage done by the many small blood clots.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
CT Scan
MRI
UA

Treatment

Plasma exchange has greatly decreased the mortality of TTP. Some of the patient's blood is removed, the plasma from the patient's blood is removed and replaced with healthy plasma. The patient's own blood cells along with the new plasma is given back to the patient. Treatment is done daily until improvement. Some patients require a surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy). Others may need medications such as immunosupressive medications and/or steroids.