Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesComplicationsTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Complications
Treatment
Immune thrombocytopenia(ITP)andthrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura(TTP)are both blood disorders that affectplateletsand may exhibit similar symptoms, such as unexplained bruising, bleeding, and fatigue.
However, ITP, also called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is an autoimmune disorder that may only require monitoring. In contrast, TTP is related to an enzyme that controls how blood clots and leads to life-threatening complications if not treated right away.
Learn more about the differences between ITP and TTP. Make sure to see a healthcare provider for adiagnosis, so you can receive the proper treatment.
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Symptoms of ITP vs. TTP
ITP and TTP are both blood disorders and can have similar symptoms.
ITP
Symptoms of ITP occur when there are not enough platelets in the blood to keep it from clotting quickly. This may cause blood to leak from small blood vessels. Although ITP may not exhibit any symptoms at all, some symptoms may include:
TTP
Symptoms of TTP develop when platelets cause clots in small blood vessels, preventing the organs from functioning properly. As the platelets are used up in the abnormally formed clots, other areas of the body may experience bleeding. Symptoms of TTP may include:
Hemolyticanemia, which is when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are replaced, can occur with TTP. This happens if red blood cells get sheared open as they try to squeeze around the blood clots.
Causes of ITP vs. TTP
ITP is an autiommune disorder in which the body destroys its own platelets. TTP can occur if you do not have the right amount of an enzyme that controls how your blood clots.
It is not always known exactly what causes this to happen, but it may be more likely in people with other autoimmune disorders. ITP sometimes occurs following a viral infection, especially in children.
Although the exact cause of TTP is not always known, it is usually found to be associated with a deficiency in an enzyme called ADAMTS13. Without enough of this enzyme, excessive clotting of the blood can occur.
This deficiency can develop as a result of an autoimmune disorder or may be inherited if a child receives a copy of the defective gene responsible for ADAMTS13 production from each of their parents.
It is rare for both ITP and TTP to occur together, but is possible. It is most likely to occur in people who are HIV positive or those with other immunosuppressive disorders.
ITP vs. TTP Complications
Prompt treatment is required to prevent life-threatening complications from TTP. Life-threatening complications from ITP are more rare, but they can occur.
Although uncommon, life threatening complications can occur from ITP.
Uncontrolled or excessive bleeding is one of the main complications of ITP. Catastrophic bleeding, such as bleeding in the brain or from major organs, may be experienced.
Bleeding may lead to anemia, or low red blood cell counts in the blood, and this may lead to extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
Severe, life-threatening complications may occur if TTP is not treated promptly. The clots in the blood vessels may prevent adequate blood flow to the organs, resulting in organ failure. This can potentially happen to any affected organ, such as the kidneys or liver.
Treating ITP vs. TTP
Treatment is essential for TTP, but it may not be required for ITP.
Sometimes only observation is needed. ITP does not require anytreatmentif platelet counts remain adequate and no significant symptoms occur. ITP may also resolve on its own.
If ITP does not improve after the use of steroids, medications such as an intravenous infusion of immunoglobulins or a gamma-globulin infusion may be necessary.
Other treatments used for ITP in subsequent lines of therapy include:
In rare cases, chemotherapy medications may need to be given.
Medications, such as steroids, Adzynma, Rituxan, and Caplacizumab, can be used to treat TTP, often in combination with plasma exchange.
During plasma exchange, blood from the person with TTP is removed and filtered through a special machine. In this machine, the plasma is filtered out, removing the antibodies that are responsible for starting the disease. The other blood products are returned to the person, and healthy plasma from a donor is transfused.
Additional treatments for TTP include steroids and a medication called Cablivi, which can prevent the development of blood clots. These treatments are typically given in combination with plasma exchange.
Summary
Both ITP and TTP are disorders that affect platelets. While they may exhibit similar symptoms, there are differences in the causes, complications, and treatments of the disorders.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Immune thrombocytopenia.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thrombtic thrombocytopenic purpura.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).Bayraktar S, Eileen B, Shariatmadar S, Lian E.Concurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and immune thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with metastatic neuroendocrine tumour successfully treated with rituximab-CVP.BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010. doi:10.1136/bcr.07.2010.3144Thachil J.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.Journal of the Intensive Care Society. 2011;12(3):215-220. doi:10.1177/175114371101200308
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Immune thrombocytopenia.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thrombtic thrombocytopenic purpura.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).Bayraktar S, Eileen B, Shariatmadar S, Lian E.Concurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and immune thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with metastatic neuroendocrine tumour successfully treated with rituximab-CVP.BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010. doi:10.1136/bcr.07.2010.3144Thachil J.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.Journal of the Intensive Care Society. 2011;12(3):215-220. doi:10.1177/175114371101200308
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Immune thrombocytopenia.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thrombtic thrombocytopenic purpura.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).Bayraktar S, Eileen B, Shariatmadar S, Lian E.Concurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and immune thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with metastatic neuroendocrine tumour successfully treated with rituximab-CVP.BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010. doi:10.1136/bcr.07.2010.3144Thachil J.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.Journal of the Intensive Care Society. 2011;12(3):215-220. doi:10.1177/175114371101200308
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Immune thrombocytopenia.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Thrombtic thrombocytopenic purpura.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Bayraktar S, Eileen B, Shariatmadar S, Lian E.Concurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and immune thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with metastatic neuroendocrine tumour successfully treated with rituximab-CVP.BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010. doi:10.1136/bcr.07.2010.3144
Thachil J.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.Journal of the Intensive Care Society. 2011;12(3):215-220. doi:10.1177/175114371101200308
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