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Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, acquired
Other Names for this Disease
- Idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Moschowitz syndrome
- Purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic
- TTP
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Overview
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), acquired is a blood disorder characterized by low platelets (i.e., thrombocytopenia), small areas of bleeding under the skin (i.e., purpura), low red blood cell count, and hemolytic anemia. TTP causes blood clots (thrombi) to form in small blood vessels throughout the body. These clots can cause serious medical problems if they block vessels and restrict blood flow to organs such as the brain, kidneys, and heart. Resulting complications can include neurological problems (such as personality changes, headaches, confusion, and slurred speech), fever, abnormal kidney function, abdominal pain, and heart problems. Hemolytic anemia can lead to paleness, yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), fatigue, shortness of breath, and a rapid heart rate. TTP, acquired usually appears in late childhood or adulthood. Affected individuals may have a single episode of signs and symptoms, or they may recur over time. This condition results from a reduction in ADAMTS13 enzyme activity caused by autoantibodies.[1]
References
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Genetic Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/thrombotic-thrombocytopenic-purpura. Accessed April 7, 2011.
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General Information
- Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, acquired. Click on the link to go to GHR and review the information.
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- The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. Since October 1997, the NHLBI has also had administrative responsibility for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
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Selected Full-Text Journal Articles
- Gandhi K, Aronow WS, Desai H, Amin H, Sharma M, Lai HM, Singh P. Cardiovascular manifestations in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a single-center experience. Clin Cardiol. 2010 Apr;33(4):213-6.
- Viswanathan S, Rovin BH, Shidham GB, Raman SV, Weinberg M, Patricia A, George JN, Wu HM, Cataland SR. Long-term, sub-clinical cardiac and renal complications in patients with multiple relapses of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Br J Haematol. 2010 May;149(4):623-5. Epub 2010 Feb 9.