TTP

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TTP stands for “thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura,” a rare blood disorder characterized by low platelets, multiple areas of bleeding under the skin, and the lack of red blood cells. Three in one million people are diagnosed with TTP per year. TTP causes blood clots leading to serious medical problems by decreasing or blocking blood flow to organs such as the brain, kidneys, and heart. TTP often occurs suddenly and can last for days, weeks, or even months. In some cases, it can be fatal as it can damage critical organs such as the brain and the heart.

Patients can use treatment by administering plasma to maintain adequate levels of ADAMTS13, an enzyme that regulates blood clotting. Without treatment, it can lead to death for 95% of the patients, but 80-90% of patients receiving treatment can temporarily recover from the disease. A TTP diagnosis is scary and complex, and many patients are unaware of the acronym. Research on TTP is also limited, leading to many questions unanswered. The Answering TTP Foundation strives to do further research, promote educational initiatives, and spread awareness of TTP to improve safe treatment for all TTP patients.