What is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?

Thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura is a rare blood disorder in which blood clots form in small blood vessels and you bleed for longer than normal. 

What is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura? {#overview}

What are the symptoms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura? {#symptoms}

How is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated? {#treatment}

## What is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura? {#overview}
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and serious blood condition. It causes lots of small blood clots to form in the blood vessels around your body. 

TTP can be caused by your immune system accidentally attacking your own body. This is known as autoimmunity and it can be triggered by some medicines or inherited. 

It’s a medical emergency that can be life-threatening, but if it’s picked up quickly it can be treated. 

## What are the symptoms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura? {#symptoms}
The symptoms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura usually come on quickly. They often start with flu-like symptoms such as fever or body aches. 

You may then develop other symptoms, including:

- bleeding – e.g. blood in your pee, bleeding gums, nose bleeds or coughing up blood
- bruises and purple spots on your skin
- headaches, fits and feeling confused
- problems seeing as normal
- chest and tummy pain 

If you think you might have TTP, see a doctor as soon as possible. 


::: body-ad-desktop
zones:: 232632,232354,232640
types:: 163
disclaimer:: AD
typeFilter:: native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232354,232642
types:: 5,163
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display/native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::

## How is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated? {#treatment}
When you’re unwell with TTP, you’ll need to be treated in hospital. Treatment may include:

- plasmapheresis – blood is passed through a machine to remove the proteins that trigger TTP (called antibodies)
- [steroids](/health-library/drugs/corticosteroid-drugs)
- medicines to suppress your immune system – this is used if TTP returns after you’ve had treatment
- other medicines to help stop your blood clotting 

After treatment, most people won’t have another episode. But in about a third of people, the symptoms come back and need to be treated again.


error

 There was an error when submitting your feedback – have a screen break then try again in a few minutes.

Oh no, something’s gone wrong

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

initial

This isn’t helpful

This isn’t relevant

Something is wrong

This isn’t accurate

Please select one.

loading

success

We're listening – we use your feedback to improve your experience, and make our content more helpful.

Thank you for your feedback

References

Dr Adiele Hoffman

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Ann Nainan

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and serious blood condition that causes lots of small blood clots to form around your body. Here’s how to spot the symptoms of  thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and how to treat it. 