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Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a blood disorder that results in blood clots forming in small blood vessels throughout the body. [2] This results in a low platelet count , low red blood cells due to their breakdown , and often kidney , heart , and brain dysfunction. [ 1 ]
Some women may have heavier or longer periods or breakthrough bleeding. Bruising, particularly purpura in the forearms and petechiae in the feet, legs, and mucous membranes, may be caused by spontaneous bleeding under the skin. [8] [9] Eliciting a full medical history is vital to ensure the low platelet count is not secondary to another disorder.
However, the use of bleeding time in diagnosis is discouraged by the American Society of Hematology practice guidelines [15] and a normal bleeding time does not exclude a platelet disorder. [16] Bone marrow examination may be performed on patients over the age of 60 and those who do not respond to treatment, or when the diagnosis is in doubt. [12]
By tradition, the term idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is used when the cause is idiopathic, or unknown. However, most cases are now considered to be immune-mediated. [citation needed] Another form is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. [citation needed]
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia accompanied by variable neurological dysfunction, kidney failure, and fever. It is caused by severely reduced activity of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease ADAMTS13.
This is similar to immunity against certain microorganisms, with the difference that the HIT antibody does not persist more than three months. [ 1 ] [ 7 ] HIT antibodies have been found in individuals with thrombocytopenia and thrombosis who had no prior exposure to heparin, but the majority are found in people who are receiving heparin.
Thrombocytopenia affects approximately 7–10% of pregnant women and of the 7–10%, within that population; approximately 70–80% have gestational thrombocytopenia [3] Gestational thrombocytopenia is a disorder similar to immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and is difficult to differentiate between the two disorders. [2]
Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases, and Immunity Disorders IV 280–289: Diseases of the Blood and Blood-forming Organs V 290–319: Mental Disorders VI 320–389: Diseases of the Nervous System and Sense Organs VII 390–459: Diseases of the Circulatory System VIII 460–519: Diseases of the Respiratory System IX 520–579