THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA IN PATIENTS SUFFERING OF CANCER

• Main Author: Marjana Glaser
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2002-07-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Subjects: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; cancer; gastric cancer; breast cancer; plasmapheresis
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/1607

<p>Background. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare group of symptoms, characterized by microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurological symptoms, fever and renal affection. Beside other causes, TTP is a rare symptom in cancer. TTP must be treated immediately and it is necessary to search for its cause.</p><p>Patients. In the article two patients with acute TTP are represented. When searching for the reason of TTP, in first patient gastric carcinoma and in second patient peritoneal carcinosis and later breast carcinoma were established. Before surgical treatment, both patients were treated with repeated plasmapheresis.</p><p>Conclusions. Treatment of acute form of TTP in cancer patients is the same as in other diseases, especially to softening the symptoms and to make possible the surgical treatment. Further course of TTP depends on disease extension.<br /><br /></p>