Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

CLINICAL

  • Multisystem disease caused by platelet thrombi in various organs.
  • Thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, renal impairment, fever (can be high), and neurologic abnormalities (agitation, disorientation, headache early, late focal deficits, seizure, coma).
  • Rare in HIV, but important to recognize because mortality 60-80% if undiagnosed; mortality < 10% if recognized and treated early.
  • Associated with early and late HIV, malignancy, chemotherapy, pregnancy.
  • Drugs associated with TTP: quinine, ticlopidine, cyclosporine.

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Last updated: February 1, 2015