Many other symptoms can occur as well.
When the enzyme is too low, the blood clots too much.
In TTP, there isnt enough of the enzyme, either due to inherited or acquired causes.
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Without enough of this enzyme, excessive clotting of the blood can occur.
This blocks the function of the enzyme and keeps it from working properly.
A review of medications will also be done.
Treatment
Plasma Exchange
A treatment called plasma exchange is typically needed to treat TTP.
During plasma exchange, blood from the person with TTP is removed and filtered through a special machine.
In this machine, the plasma is taken out, removing the antibodies responsible for causing the disease.
The other blood products, such as red blood cells and platelets, are returned to the patient.
Healthy plasma from a donor is then transfused.
Plasma transfusion replenishes the ADAMTS13 level to correct the deficiency that caused the TTP.
This is often repeated every day until the disease improves.
These medications work by suppressing the immune system and stopping the process causing the disease.
Sometimes, chemotherapy medications may be given to treat TTP.
Adzynma (recombinant ADAMTS13) works by replacing low levels of the ADAMTS13 enzyme.
Adzynma is indicated to prevent TTP symptoms or treat symptoms when experiencing an event.
Surgery
The only surgical treatment for TTP is asplenectomyor surgical removal of the spleen.
Removing the spleen can prevent these antibodies from being made.
However, there are some complications that can arise.
Severe bleeding can occur with TTP, and can potentially be life-threatening if it is difficult to control.
It is also possible that someone who recovered from TTP can experience another episode in the future.
It is also important to ask your healthcare team any questions you have about TTP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?
The symptoms of TTP can include:
What does thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) look like?
The purpura associated with TTP may appear as purple splotches under the skin.
These can occur to any area of the body, including the inside of the mouth.
Purpura is due to bleeding under the surface of the skin.
What causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?
Without enough of this enzyme, the blood can form too many clots.
With inherited TTP, someone is born with low levels of this enzyme.
In acquired TTP, the enzyme is blocked by the development of antibodies against it.
What does the acronym TTP mean?
TTP stands for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
How is TTP diagnosed?
The blood tests can evaluate the number of blood cells as well as evaluate body organ function.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Medline Plus.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Food and Drug Administration.Fda approves first treatment for patients with rare inherited blood clotting disorder.
