Abstract
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by microangiopathic
hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, renal failure, and central nervous
system dysfunction (14-16). Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura overlaps with
hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS); however, in HUS, renal dysfunction is more
prominent while neurologic dysfunction is more associated with TTP. The incidence
of TTP is 3.7 cases per million per year and appears to be increasing (15). Mortality
ranges from 10% to 20%, with the majority occurring within the first 48 hr.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura may occur during pregnancy=peripartum,
in HIV, SLE, or in bone marrow transplant patients. It can also be due to medications, such as ticlid, plavix, mitomycin C, cyclosporin, and tacrolimus (Table 3).