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Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Ihab Abumuhor, BS, MT (ASCP)
Ellen Hope Kearns, MS, SH(ASCP)H

Overview

The purpose of this case is to define and summarize thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with this life-threatening, multisystem disease. An additional purpose is to offer greater insight regarding the challenges that face emergency room (ER) clinicians who need to recognize the signs and symptoms of TTP among other symptomalogy of patients that come to the ER.

This case should be of interest to medical technologists, medical students, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, hematologists, clinical science students, and other interested health professionals. This case may also interest patients with TTP who desire a better understanding of this disease.

The reader should have some understanding of clinical hematology, some background in the clinical sciences or health related professions, and familiarity with medical terminology.

Objectives

• Briefly define and explain thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
• Compare and contrast the signs and symptoms of acute and chronic forms of TTP.
• Explain the cause, incidence and risk factors associated with TTP.
• List the treatment methods and the differential diagnoses.
• Recognize the clinical and laboratory findings associated with TTP.