X. Long Zheng, MD, PhD, of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, provides an overview of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and why lengthy hospital stays are necessary.
TTP is a rare hematologic disorder due to reduced levels of ADAMTS13 enzyme that leads to small blood clots, low platelet counts, and destruction of red blood cells
There are two types of TTP: acquired TTP, in which the person develops antibodies against ADAMTS13, and inherited TTP, in which the person the ADAMTS13 gene does not produce sufficient levels of a functioning enzyme.
Treating TTP is a team approach and usually requires several plasma exchanges that will keep the person in the hospital for several days or weeks.
Recently, Dr. Zheng and colleagues wrote guidelines for managing people with TTP, including pregnant women. A free pdf copy of those best practices can be obtained at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jth.15009
To learn more about TTP and other autoimmune conditions, click here.
