Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder that is either inherited, passed from parents to their children through genes or is acquired (develops because of another disease or condition). Scientists are constantly investigating ways that the disease can be stopped before it passes to the next generation or before it is acquired.
At the OSUCCC – James, expert researchers continually focus on studying blood diseases and prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. In fact, the OSUCCC – James is consistently paving the way in leading-edge therapies and discoveries, leading to even more highly targeted care and treatment.
Couple that with world-renowned diagnostic experts and the most advanced diagnostic techniques to enable physicians to detect TTP as early as possible, and patients are experiencing improved outcomes, faster responses to treatment and fewer side effects.
Screening for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Screening exams can help find disease at its earliest stage, when the chances for successful treatment are greatest. These tests are usually done when you are healthy and have no specific symptoms.
Unlike with some other diseases, however, there are currently no recommended screenings for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) when a patient has no signs or symptoms.
One of the best ways to detect TTP at the earliest possible point — when options for treatment are best — is to see a medical expert at the first sign of symptoms.
The world-renowned medical research experts at the OSUCCC – James are studying a number of different ways to detect TTP earlier, so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Risk Factors
Anything that increases the chances of having thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a risk factor.
TTP is a rare blood disorder, and most TTP cases are acquired (develop because of another condition or disease). Acquired TTP occurs mostly in adults, although it can affect children, too, and it is diagnosed more often in women and in black people.
Inherited TTP mainly affects newborns and children, and most patients with inherited TTP begin to have symptoms soon after birth. Some, however, don't have symptoms until they're adults.
Other risk factors that can trigger TTP include:
- Diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV, lupus, infections and pregnancy
- Some medical procedures such as surgery and blood- and marrow-stem cell transplant
- Some medicines such as chemotherapy, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, cyclosporine A and hormone therapy and estrogens
- Quinine, which is a substance often found in tonic water and nutritional health products
(Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute)
If you’ve been diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a blood disorder specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
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