Acquired autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Acquired autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)-the most common form of TTP-is a life-threatening hematologic disease characterized by hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Acquired autoimmune TTP can cause signs and symptoms of neurologic and other organ involvement, with mortality approaching 90% if the disease is not promptly recognized and treated. Since the introduction of plasma exchange in 1991, the acquired autoimmune TTP survival rate has increased to 78%.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: the challenges of a complex disease process.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an acute, rare disorder with a poor prognosis, though the survival rate has improved dramatically in the past 20 years. It is a complex disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, fluctuating neurologic symptoms, fever, and renal dysfunction. The incidence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura appears to be increasing in frequency, with women affected twice as often as men. The median age of onset is in the fourth decade of life. The clinical manifestations of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are caused by widespread deposition of platelet microthrombi that occlude the capillaries and arterioles, especially evident in the brain, kidney, and bone marrow. The resulting intravascular platelet consumption is responsible for bleeding and petechiae. The etiology is unknown, but may be caused by immune system mediated damage to the endothelium. The complexity of this disease challenges the health care team and demands highly skilled medical and nursing management. This article presents a summary of the history and pathophysiology of the disease, clinical course with case study, medical treatment, nursing diagnoses and interventions, and conclusions.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura: nursing during the acute phase.

Thrombocytopenia and anemia related to Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura cause multi-system complications requiring critical care nursing during the acute stages. The nurse's detailed assessment helps identify or prevent many of these complications.

Polycythemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

The responsibility of the intravenous nurse is increasing in the multidisciplinary management of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and polycythemia. A thorough understanding of these diseases and the treatment modalities is essential for quality patient care. Emphasis is placed on treatment considerations, including blood component administration, therapeutic phlebotomy, and pharmacologic agents.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an uncommon disorder that was considered a fatal disease until the early 1960s. This syndrome is complex and controversial. It has been characterized by thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, neurologic symptoms, renal disease, and fever. The causative factor appears to be an increase of a platelet-aggregating factor or a deficiency in some platelet-aggregation inhibitor. The disease process seen is usually caused by endothelial damage mediated by a variety of stimuli. This endothelial damage then results in the formation of microscopic thrombi composed primarily of platelets and found in the small blood vessels of many organs. TTP can occur in any age group but is most often seen in patients 30 to 50 years of age. It is a very serious and potentially fatal acute disorder, but greater than 50% of the patients with this syndrome will have long-lasting remission if proper therapy is initiated and maintained. This article presents clinical findings and symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and appropriate therapeutic interventions for this disorder.