Purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic (TTP)
A life-threatening disease involving embolism and thrombosis (plugging) of the small blood vessels in the brain. It is usually caused by inhibition of an enzyme in the blood called ADAMTS13 which breaks down another protein in the blood called Von Willebrand Factor into smaller pieces. TTP is characterized by platelet microthrombi (tiny traveling clots composed of platelets, the clotting cells in the blood), thrombocytopenia (lack of platelets), hemolytic anemia (from the breakup of red blood cells), fever, renal (kidney) abnormalities and neurologic changes such as neurological signs such as aphasia, blindness, and convulsions.
TTP is fortunately rare. It occurs at a rate of 3.7 cases per year per million persons. The use of plasma exchange (in which a patient is attached to a machine which filters the blood, removing the plasm- or fluid portion of the blood and returns the blood cells mixed with fresh plasma from donors and other fluids).The mortality (death) rate for promptly treated cases ranges from 10 to 20 percent, down from 90% before use of plasma exchange.
Many drugs have been associated with TTP. One is the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel (Plavix).
The “purpura” refers to sizable bruises due to bleeding into the skin.
Read Also:
- Purulent
Pertaining to pus. Containing or composed of pus. The term “purulent” is often used in regard to drainage. For example, gonorrhea in men usually causes a purulent discharge from the penis.
- Pus
A thick, whitish-yellow fluid that results from the accumulation of white blood cells, liquefied tissue, and cellular debris. Pus is commonly a sign of infection or foreign material in the body.
- Pustular psoriasis
A type of recurring psoriasis characterized by the appearance of pus-filed lesions in clusters. It can be intensely painful, and hospitalization may be required.
- Pustule
A pustule is a small collection of pus in the top layer of skin (epidermis) or beneath it in the dermis. Pustules frequently form in sweat glands or hair follicles. Pus is a mixture of inflammatory cells and liquid. Put somewhat more simply, a pustule is a little pocket full of pus.
- Pustulosis
A highly inflammatory skin condition that results in large, fluid-filled, blister-like areas (pustules). Pustulosis typically occurs on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. The skin of these areas peels and flakes (exfoliates).