Key Symptoms Of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a blood disorder where blood forms clots throughout the body in small blood vessels. The clots that form in body use up resources, like platelets, present in the blood. TTP occurs when some mechanism causes impaired activity of ADAMTS13, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of a protein referred to as von Willebrand factor, which forms clots by binding with platelet clumps. There are two different types of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Inherited TTP refers to a genetic mutation inherited from an individual's parents that impair the effect of ADAMTS13. Acquired TTP describes when the body produces proteins or antibodies that hinder the activity of ADAMTS13. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is diagnosed through numerous blood tests that reveal specific antibodies and activity levels of ADAMTS13. Treatment involves the use of steroid medications and plasma-like substances to replace the missing enzyme.