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 youve 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 medicinessuch as aspirin and
ibuprofenthat 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 childs 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.
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