Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disorder of the blood coagulation system. In most cases, a lack of the ADAMTS13 enzyme leads to an accumulation of ultra-large von Willebrand factor molecules in the plasma which, in turn, initiate the formation of microscopic thromboses in small blood vessels. TTP is a medical emergency. Timely diagnosis and urgent and effective management are vital – mortality in those untreated is in the region of 90%. The understanding of TTP pathogenesis has increased markedly in recent decades. It is now known that TTP is acquired (immunemediated) or congenital, and that the most common type – the acquired form – predominantly affects women in their 40s. It is also clear that the prompt delivery of plasma exchange saves lives. 'Fast Facts: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura' sets out, in a clear and accessible format, the steps to suspecting, diagnosing and treating this potentially devastating disease. These steps are complemented by clear descriptions of the disease mechanism and epidemiology. Differential diagnosis, which is of the utmost importance for this disease, is explored in detail. Contents: • Disease overview • Clinical presentation • Differential diagnosis • Laboratory findings and diagnosis • Management

According to the Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee (ADCC), between 14.7 and 23.5 million people in the USA – up to eight percent of the population are affected by autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are a family of more than 100 chronic, and often disabling, illnesses that develop when underlying defects in the immune system lead the body to attack its own organs, tissues, and cells. In Handbook of Autoimmune Disease, the editors have gathered in a comprehensive handbook a critical review, by renowned experts, of more than 100 autoimmune diseases, divided into two main groups, namely systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. A contemporary overview of these conditions with special emphasis on diagnosis is presented. Each chapter contains the essential information required by attending physicians as well as bench scientists to understand the definition of a specific autoimmune disease, the diagnostic criteria, and the treatment.

This reference presents detailed discussions of the history, pathology, pathophysiology, and approaches to treatment of the complicated, constantly evolving syndromes known as thrombotic thromocytopenic purpura (TTP), from many different points of view. Hemolytic Uremic syndrome and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura offers: extensive analyses of the relationship between HUS and TTP; epidemiological studies of HUS from the UK, Canada, Asia, South Africa and Argentina; investigations of non-renal complications of HUS; perspectives on atypical HUS and post-transplantation HUS; delineations of the association between verotoxin and HUS, HUS and pregnancy, and HUS and cancer and cancer tharapy; information on HUS/TTP in HIV-infected patients; explications of the pathology and pathogenesis of HUS; and approaches to treatment of HUS, prognosis, and long-term follow-up.;In addition, it covers the history and pathogenesis of TTP, von Willebrand factor abnormalities in TTP and HUS, platelet agglutinating proteins in TTP, and the treatment of TTP.;With over 2000 literature citations and figures, this book is for nephrologists, hematologists, oncologists, paediatricians, pathologists, gastroenterologists, internists, endocrinologists, infectious disease specialists, neurologists, gynaecologists, microbiologists, surgeons, geneticsts, epidemiologists, radiologists, and medical school students in these disciplines.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a life-threatening occlusive disorder of the microcirculation that is characterized by systemic platelet agglutination, organ ischaemia, severe thrombocytopenia and fragmentation of red blood cells. In the opening study included in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment, the authors analyze the principal risk factors and causes of this disorder.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is diagnosed using standard laboratory tests: in addition to microangi-opathic hemolytic anemia and consumption thrombocytopenia, classical parameters for hemolysis show an elevated reticulocyte count, an undetectable serum haptoglobin concentration, and a markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase level as well as the presence of schistocytes on the blood smear.The authors propose that there are other pathologies with moderate thrombocytopenia that we should consider, such as: hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hereditary hemolytic uremic syndrome, and thrombotic microangiopathies associated with some medications, transplantation or hidden malignancies.The closing chapter aims to revise the management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnant women. To effectively manage this disorder, it is crucial to obtain a prompt diagnosis, in conjunction with further monitoring and treatment, to avoid fetal loss and maternal complications.

This text provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the most common autoimmune cytopenias affecting adults and children. The book is divided into four sections, each of which focuses on a major autoimmune cytopenia. The first section features background, pathophysiology, presentation, evaluation, and treatment strategies for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), the most common cause of antibody-mediated platelet destruction. The second section reviews common forms and treatment strategies for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), including a chapter dedicated specifically to Evans Syndrome. The third section comprehensively reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis and current management approaches to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a potentially life-threatening autoimmune syndrome. The book concludes with a final section on autoimmune neutropenia. Each section includes a review of common underlying systemic autoimmune conditions and immune deficiency syndromes that can accompany or cause autoimmune cytopenias. Written by experts in each content area, Immune Hematology: Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Cytopenias is a valuable resource for clinicians and professionals who treat patients afflicted with autoimmune cytopenias, including primary care providers, hematologist/oncologists, immunologists, among others.

The second edition of a succinct and portable text reviewing the clinical approach to emergency medicine and critical care.

This book provides learners with a unique opportunity by virtue of the format outlined above. Each case presentation has a case vignette, which leads up to an important clinical question, and is followed by additional discussion which resolves the question posed. This is a new way to present knowledge in a medical book and should help critical care practitioners, fellows, residents, allied health professionals and students expand their critical care knowledge in an efficient and effective manner. This approach should also benefit those preparing for board examinations.