title: How we approach an acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patient.
abstract: Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, in addition to variable fever and neurologic and renal dysfunction, without an underlying cause. Recent advances in elucidating the pathophysiology of acquired TTP have led to new testing that we have incorporated into our current management of patients with suspected acquired TTP. Despite these developments, much of the treatment for acquired TTP beyond therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is based on low-quality evidence. Our group has a sustained interest in studying and optimizing the use of TPE, along with other concurrent therapies, in acquired TTP patients. Described herein is a summary of how our apheresis consult service approaches requests for TPE in patients with suspected acquired TTP.
authors: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors: Jay S
authors: JS
authors: Raval
authors: Marshall A
authors: MA
authors: Mazepa
authors: Mark E
authors: ME
authors: Brecher
authors: Yara A
authors: YA
authors: Park
mesh_terms: D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D000071120:ADAMTS13 Protein; D000465:Algorithms; D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000379:methods*; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D051722:ADAM Proteins; D000071120:ADAMTS13 Protein; C099604:ADAMTS13 protein, human