TTP Flashcards
1
Q
Pathogenesis of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic purpura
A
deficiency of ADAMTS13 enxyme which breaks down von Willebrand’s factor
=> vWF is able to clump platelets together in vessels without being broken down
2
Q
Who usually gets TTP?
A
Adult females
3
Q
Features of TTP
A
- fever
- fluctuating neuro signs (microemboli)
- microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia
- thrombocytopenia
- renal failure
4
Q
Causes of TTP
A
post-infection e.g. urinary, GI, HIV
pregnancy
drugs: ciclosporin, COCP, penicillin, clopidogrel, aciclovir
Tumours
SLE
5
Q
Management of TTP
A
no antibiotics - may worsen outcome!!
plasma exchange = Tx of choice
steroids
immunosuppressants
vincristine
6
Q
A
