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Blood and immune system diseases

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

A rare blood disease in which clots form in small blood vessels. Blood platelets fall, and red blood cells break down. Organs such as the brain and kidneys can be affected.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Blood and immune system diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

An enzyme called ADAMTS13 keeps blood clotting in balance. In TTP, this enzyme works very little. Because of this, clumps of platelets form in small blood vessels. These clumps reduce the blood going to organs such as the brain and kidneys. In the acquired type, the immune system makes antibodies against the enzyme. In the rarer inborn type, the gene for the enzyme is faulty.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms can begin suddenly. Pregnancy, infection or surgery can trigger an attack.

  • Bruises and small bleeds in the skin
  • Tiredness, paleness and shortness of breath
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • Headache, confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Fever
  • Belly pain and nausea
  • Blood or protein in the urine
  • Seizures (fits)

How is it diagnosed?

A blood count, a blood smear and tests showing the breakdown of blood are done. Measuring ADAMTS13 enzyme activity in the blood confirms the diagnosis. In the acquired type, antibodies against this enzyme are found in the blood. If the inborn type is suspected, a genetic test is done.

Treatment and care

In the acquired type, the main treatment is plasma exchange. In this procedure, the liquid part of the blood is removed and replaced with donor plasma. Medicines that suppress the immune system are also used. For this type, there is also an approved medicine specific to the disease that prevents clot formation. In the inborn type, plasma is given regularly. For this type, there is also an approved enzyme replacement therapy. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

The acquired type is not inherited and is much more common. The inborn type is passed on through recessive inheritance. The mother and father are carriers but are usually not ill. For a couple who are both carriers, the chance of having an affected child is 1 in 4 in each pregnancy. Recessive diseases may be more common in marriages between relatives. Genetic counselling guides the family.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura · MedlinePlus: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) · NORD: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Key facts

How common is it?
New cases per year: 1-9 per 1 000 000 (Worldwide)
How is it inherited?
Autosomal recessive · Multigenic / multifactorial
When does it usually start?
Any age

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about TTP

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 6 active interventional studies for this disease. 3 are recruiting now; none has a site in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Blood and immune system diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:54057 · ICD-11 3B64.14

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.