An analysis of the characteristics of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a literature review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). Bibliographic review: TTP is a thrombotic microangiopathies characterized by the spontaneous formation of thrombi in the microcirculation. It is clinically defined by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) and moderate to severe thrombocytopenia, with or without signs and symptoms of associated end-organ dysfunction, including neurological, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and renal involvement. PTT can be caused by a severe inherited deficiency of ADAMTS13 plasma activity resulting from mutations in ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a type 1 thrombospondin motif, member 13), referred to as hereditary or congenital TTP and may be autoimmune or acquired. Final considerations: TTP is one of the thrombotic microangiopathies, being a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and urgent management due to its systemic complications such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke. It is characterized by thrombocytopenia with schistocytes on peripheral blood smear, anemia, renal dysfunction, and indirect bilirubinemia due to intravascular hemolytic anemia. Thus, attention to patients with TTP is essential in order to provide adequate diagnosis and treatment, thus avoiding unfavorable outcomes.