The long-term impact of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)


Patients can experience the effects of TTP long after their first episodes

The consequences of TTP can lead to many long-term complications and health risks. Approaching TTP with a long-term mindset can help ensure comprehensive care for your patients.1-3

Microthrombi may result in long-term neurocognitive decline in patients with TTP

Microthrombi may result in long-term neurocognitive decline in patients with TTP1


63% of patients with TTP have neurological signs and symptoms during their first event, including2-4

• Coma
• Focal neurological signs

• Personality changes
• Transient ischemic attack

• Seizures
• Stroke

In these patients, studies have shown4

Persistent neurological impairment during remission (49%)

• Disorientation
• Loss of concentration
• Dizziness
• Lack of balance
• Headache
• Diplopia

Significant impairment in memory domains

(direct, backward, and deferred memory) vs the general population

Higher prevalence of relapse in TTP

vs those without neurological symptoms (41% vs 8%)

TTP patients may have increased risk of stroke after recovery

Patients with TTP may have increased risk of stroke after recovery5

Stroke during the median observation follow-up period (3.08 years) after recovery from TTP occurred in 13.1% of patients, which is five-fold higher than the expected prevalence from an age- and sex-matched reference population.

Stroke risk is common after recovery from TTP and is associated with ADAMTS13 levels

Low ADAMTS13 activity after recovery from an acute episode is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke during the follow-up period. (P=0.007)

0% of patients with >70% ADAMTS13 levels experienced stroke
27.6% of patients with ≤70% ADAMTS13 levels experienced stroke
Patients with TTP reported decreased quality of life

Patients with TTP reported decreased quality of life1,4

TTP affects patients’ quality of life over the long term, owing to exacerbations, relapses, and sustained neurocognitive defects. Patients’ responses across health-related quality of life measures suggest that living with TTP is a considerable emotional burden.

Clinical anxiety and depression are serious risks for patients with TTP4

40% of patients have detectable depression
20% of patients have detectable clinical anxiety

It's important to monitor the physical and mental health of your patients with TTP.1,4,5

Each person with TTP has a unique experience.

View patient stories

There are a variety of resources to support you and your patients.

See resources

ADAMTS13=a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 13.

References: 1. Zheng XL, Vesely SK, Cataland SR, et al. ISTH guidelines for the diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. J Thromb Haemost. 2020;18(10):2486-2495. doi:10.1111/jth.15006 2. Han B, Page EE, Stewart LM, et al. Depression and cognitive impairment following recovery from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Am J Hematol. 2015;90(8):709-714. doi:10.1002/ajh.24060 3. Deford CC, Reese JA, Schwartz LH, et al. Multiple major morbidities and increased mortality during long-term follow-up after recovery from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Blood. 2013;122(12):2023-2029. doi:10.1182/blood-2013-04-496752 4. Riva S, Mancini I, Maino A, et al. Long-term neuropsychological sequelae, emotional wellbeing and quality of life in patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Haematologica. 2020;105(7):1957-1962. doi:10.3324/haematol.2019.226423 5. Upreti H, Kasmani J, Dane K, et al. Reduced ADAMTS13 activity during TTP remission is associated with stroke in TTP survivors. Blood. 2019;134(13):1037-1045. doi:10.1182/blood.2019001056