DISEASES
description
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a blood disorder that results in blood clots forming in small blood vessels throughout the body. The formation of these blood clots leads to the following: A low platelet count, low red blood cells due to their breakdown, and often kidney, heart and brain dysfunction. Symptoms may include large bruises, fever, weakness, shortness of breath and headache. In about half of cases a trigger/cause is able to be identified, while in the remainder the cause remains unknown. Autoantibody tests are used to help determine if the cause is related to an underlying autoimmune disease including a condition referred to as idiopathic TTP where the patient develops autoantibodies that alter the function of a protein known as ADAMTS13.
Symptoms
- Purplish bruises on the skin or mucous membranes (such as in the mouth)
- Pinpoint-sized red or purple dots on the skin (rash-like appearance)
- Paleness or jaundice
- Fatigue
- Fever
- A fast heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Headache, speech changes, confusion, coma, stroke, or seizure
- A low amount of urine, or protein or blood in the urine