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Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Alternate Names : TTP
Definition TTP is a blood disorder characterized by low platelets, low red blood cell count (caused by premature breakdown of the cells), abnormalities in kidney function, and neurological abnormalities. A similar clinical condition with overlapping features is hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
This disease is caused by a deficiency in the von Willebrand Factor cleaving protease, known as ADAMTS13. The loss of this enzyme results in large complexes of von Willbrand factor circulating in the blood, which in turn causes platelet clumping and red blood cell destruction.
Although most cases have no known cause, some cases may be related to a deficiency of ADAMTS13 at birth, cancer, chemotherapy, HIV infection, hormone replacement therapy and estrogens, and a number of medications in common use (including ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and cyclosporine A).
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Anemia
• Blood Clots
• Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
• Stroke
Tests & Exams
• Bilirubin
• Biopsy
• Blood Smear
• CBC
• Creatinine - Serum
• Platelet Count
• Pulse
• RBC Count
• Urinalysis
Other Topics
• Bleeding Into the Skin
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chronic
• Confusion
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
• Paleness
• Protein in Diet
• Purpura
• Weakness
Review Date : 10/13/2003
Reviewed By : Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Instructor in Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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