title: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
abstract: This serious disorder of young adults is characterized by fever, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhagic signs, various neurologic abnormalities and renal dysfunction. Laboratory findings include a negative Coombs' test for hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, and fragmented erythrocytes on the peripheral blood smear. Without treatment, mortality may exceed 80 percent. Early diagnosis and prompt therapy with high-dose corticosteroids and antiplatelet agents, as well as exchange plasmapheresis when indicated, bring about remission in 60 to 80 percent of patients.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004176:Dipyridamole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D004176:Dipyridamole; D001241:Aspirin; D011241:Prednisone