Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) Questions & Answers

Updated: Nov 15, 2023
  • Author: Theodore Wun, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: Srikanth Nagalla, MD, MS, FACP  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

How is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) diagnosed?

What is the role of plasma exchange in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of caplacizumab (Cablivi) in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of octaplas (Octapharma) in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

How is refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) treated?

When was thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) first identified?

What are the differences between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)?

What is the pathophysiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the prevalence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which patient groups have the highest prevalence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Presentation

What are the signs and symptoms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

How is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) differentiated from hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

DDX

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?

Workup

Which CBC findings are characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which peripheral blood smear finding suggests thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) results are characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which D-dimer and fibrinogen assay findings are characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

How is renal function evaluated in the workup of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

How is hemolysis assessed in the workup of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Why is HIV testing included in the workup of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of von Willebrand factor–cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) measurement in the workup of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Treatment

How is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) treated?

How is complete treatment response determined for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the efficacy of plasma exchange for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) treatment?

What is the role of cryopoor plasma (or cryosupernatant) in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of rituximab in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of bortezomib in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of vincristine in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the role of platelet transfusion in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the effect of infections on the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which dietary and activity modifications are used in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Guidelines

What are the British Society for Haematology guidelines for the diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the British Society for Haematology guidelines for the diagnosis of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the British Society for Haematology guidelines for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the British Society for Haematology guidelines for the treatment of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) guidelines for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) guidelines for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) during pregnancy?

Medications

Which medications are used in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?

Which medications in the drug class Chemotherapy agents are used in the treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?

Which medications in the drug class Blood Products are used in the treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?

Which medications in the drug class Monoclonal antibody are used in the treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?

Follow-up

What is included in long-term monitoring of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the discharge criteria following inpatient treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What are the possible complications of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

What is the prognosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?

Which factors increase the mortality risk of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?