Knowledge Check

Sort the clinical manifestation (top) according to whether or not it is part of the classic pentad for thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) (bottom):

Neurological dysfunction
Thrombocytopenia
Acute abdomen
Renal dysfunction
Fever
Leukocytosis
MAHA
Elevated CRP
Hemoglobinuria
Hypotension
Part of pentad
Not part of pentad

True or false: Today, the presence of thrombocytopenia and MAHA alone, without an alternative explanation, should prompt serious consideration of the diagnosis of TTP or another TMA even in the absence of the full pentad.

a
True
The pentad is rarely seen today because plasmapheresis is typically started before it occurs.
b
False

True or false: Patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) typically present with clinical findings of thrombosis, not bleeding.

a
True
b
False
Presentation with mucocutaneous bleeding is common. This is different from heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) where bleeding is rare.
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