Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: evolution across 15 years

Journal of Clinical Apheresis
S L ElkinsF S Morrison

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was originally described 70 years ago. It is considered an uncommon disorder with a reported occurrence rate of one case per 1 million patients. Mortality has decreased from almost 100% early on to 30-50% with the advent of newer treatment methods. We reviewed 41 patients with a diagnosis of TTP spanning the years 1980 to mid 1994. We found a much higher case rate, one per 6000 hospital admissions, and an overall death rate of 40%. However, isolating 5 year periods we noted a marked fall in mortality from 54% (1980-1984), 44% (1985-1989), to 18% (1990-1994). Previous reports describe relapsing TTP and report an incidence of 7-15% although very recent data suggests a higher incidence. In our study, we found an overall relapse rate of 25% and by 5 year periods 23% (1980-1984), 13% (1985-1989), and 46% (1990-1994). We suggest that the improvement in survival and the increase in relapse rate are related and reflect more effective therapy for this once almost always fatal disease. Patients now survive their initial episode and thus are at risk for recurrence. Identification of risk factors for relapse will require further study.

References

Apr 1, 1991·The Western Journal of Medicine·K V ShepardR M Bukowski
Jul 1, 1966·Naika. Internal medicine·Y SugaM Nomura
Nov 1, 1981·Missouri Medicine·R FarrisJ T Peterson
Aug 1, 1959·The American Journal of Medicine·S F CAHALANE, R C HORN
Aug 20, 1959·Nordisk medicin·S PERSSON

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

May 5, 2001·American Journal of Ophthalmology·J R CostaD J D'Amico
Jul 13, 2002·The Journal of Emergency Medicine·Latha G Stead, Barbara G Lock
May 26, 1999·Clinical and Laboratory Haematology·G EvansL M Williamson
Aug 8, 2002·Therapeutic Apheresis : Official Journal of the International Society for Apheresis and the Japanese Society for Apheresis·Hans von Baeyer
Mar 14, 2000·Medizinische Klinik·J M ChemnitzD Söhngen
Dec 2, 2014·Indian Journal of Hematology & Blood Transfusion : an Official Journal of Indian Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion·Rashmi D PatelHargovind L Trivedi

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.