Living With Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Most people recover fully from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) when treated promptly. Relapses (or flareups) can occur in 30 to 60 percent of cases.

If this happens, plasma therapy and/or medicines will need to be restarted.

If you’ve had TTP, you should call your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of a relapse. These signs and symptoms include:

• Purplish spots called purpura on the skin or mucous membranes (such as on the mouth) due to bleeding under the skin
• Unexplained or prolonged bleeding
• Paleness or jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin or eyes)
• Feeling tired or weak
• Fever
• A fast heart rate or feeling short of breath
• Headaches, speech changes, confusion, coma, stroke, or seizures
• A low amount of urine, or protein or blood in the urine

If you have been successfully treated for TTP, you should talk to your doctor about using any medicines—such as aspirin and ibuprofen—that can raise your risk of bleeding during a relapse. Also, tell your doctor about all over-the-counter medicines you take, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies.

If your child has inherited TTP, ask the doctor whether you need to restrict your child’s activities.

Report any symptoms of infection, such as a fever, to your doctor. This is very important for people who have had their spleens removed.

Talk to your doctor about changing medicines that may raise your risk for TTP, such as ticlopidine and clopidogrel.