 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
| | | |
| |
| |
| Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura |
|
Definition:
TTP is a blood disorder characterized by low platelets, low red blood cell count (caused by premature breakdown of the cells), abnormalities in kidney function, and neurological (nervous system) abnormalities. A similar condition is hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Alternative Names:
TTP Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
In some cases, this disease is caused by a deficiency in an enzyme (a type of protein) called the von Willebrand Factor cleaving protease (also called ADAMTS13). Loss of this enzyme results in large complexes of von Willbrand factor circulating in the blood, which in turn causes platelet clumping and red blood cell destruction. Although most cases have no known cause, some cases may be related to a deficiency of ADAMTS13 at birth, cancer, chemotherapy, HIV infection, hormone replacement therapy and estrogens, and a number of medications in common use (including ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and cyclosporine A).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
