There is an association between TTP and cancer. Anemia and thrombocytopenia occurring with TTP may be out of proportion to that expected from cancer and chemotherapy reaction. The LDH is elevated and Coombs test is negative. In the cancer patient a low level of coagulation factor consumption is often present. Both TTP and DIC can be present in the same patient and difficult to distinguish.
Damage is concentrated in renal and brain endothelium, but the cause is unknown.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura is a clinical diagnosis and there are no pathognomonic laboratory test findings. The classic pentad is rarely complete at presentation. Early recognition and management are essential for patient survival. The standard replacement fluid is fresh frozen plasma. However, there has been reported success with cryosupernatant.