thrombocytopenic purpura?

Question

What is that?

Answer 1

There are Two types:
1) Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic purpura.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), also known as primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, is defined as isolated thrombocytopenia with normal bone marrow and the absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia. The 2 distinct clinical syndromes manifest as an acute condition in children and a chronic condition in adults.

ITP is a decrease in the number of circulating platelets in the absence of toxic exposure or a disease associated with a low platelet count.
* Common physical findings include the following:

o Nonpalpable petechiae, which mostly occur in dependent regions

o Hemorrhagic bullae on mucous membranes

o Purpura

o Gingival bleeding

o Signs of GI bleeding

o Menometrorrhagia, menorrhagia

o Retinal hemorrhages

o Evidence of intracranial hemorrhage, with possible neurologic symptoms

o Nonpalpable spleen: The prevalence of palpable spleen in patients with ITP is approximately the same as that in the non-ITP population (ie, 3% in adults, 12% in children).

o Spontaneous bleeding when platelet count is less than 20,000/mm3.

Causes:

* Immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies on the platelet surface

2)Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening multisystem disorder that is considered a true medical emergency. Moschcowitz first described TTP in 1924 when he noted that his 16 year-old patient had anemia; petechiae; microscopic hematuria; and at autopsy, disseminated microvascular thrombi. Since that time, the pathophysiology, etiology, and medical management of TTP have expanded. This life-threatening condition may have positive outcomes if recognized early and if medical intervention is initiated early.

Thrombocytopenic purpura is a syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurologic abnormalities, fever, and renal dysfunction. With the introduction of plasma exchange, the survival rate has improved from approximately 3% prior to the 1960s to 82%. Early plasma exchange initiation has beneficial outcomes. With early recognition of the clinical features, this life-threatening illness can be treated, with effective patient clinical responses in many cases.

Answer 2

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood condition characterised by the formation of small clots (thrombi) within the circulation, which results in the consumption of platelets and thus a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).