What is meant by thrombocytopenic purpura?
Medical Definition of thrombocytopenic purpura : a blood disorder that is marked by bleeding from small blood vessels especially into the skin and mucous membranes resulting in purplish bruises, petechiae, hematomas, nosebleeds, and bleeding from the gums and that is caused by a reduction in circulating blood platelets.
What causes thrombocytopenia definition?
Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
What causes Thrombocytic purpura?
Causes. A lack of activity in the ADAMTS13 enzyme (a type of protein in the blood) causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The ADAMTS13 gene controls the enzyme, which is involved in blood clotting. Not having enough enzyme activity causes overactive blood clotting.
What are signs and symptoms of TTP?
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Bleeding into the skin or mucus membranes.
- Confusion.
- Fatigue, weakness.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Pale skin color or yellowish skin color.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fast heart rate (over 100 beats per minute)
What happens if you have thrombocytopenia?
If you have thrombocytopenia, you don’t have enough platelets in your blood. Platelets help your blood clot, which stops bleeding. For most people, it’s not a big problem. But if you have a severe form, you can bleed spontaneously in your eyes, gums, or bladder or bleed too much when you’re injured.
Who is at risk for thrombocytopenia?
People who are at highest risk for thrombocytopenia are those affected by one of the conditions or factors discussed in “What Causes Thrombocytopenia?” This includes people who: Have certain types of cancer, aplastic anemia, or autoimmune diseases. Are exposed to certain toxic chemicals.
Does thrombocytopenia go away?
Acute thrombocytopenic purpura. Acute ITP often starts suddenly. Symptoms may go away in less than 6 months, usually within a few weeks. Treatment is often not needed. The disorder usually does not come back.