Screening and Prevention of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Both inherited and acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) occur suddenly with no clear cause. You can't prevent either type.

If you've had TTP, watch for signs and symptoms of a relapse (flareup). (For more information, go to "Living With Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.")

Ask your doctor about factors that may trigger TTP or a flareup, including:

  • Some diseases or conditions, such as pregnancy, cancer, HIV, lupus, or infections.
  • Some medical procedures, such as surgery and blood and marrow stem cell transplant.
  • Some medicines, such as ticlopidine, clopidogrel, cyclosporine A, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy and estrogens. If you take any of these medicines, your doctor may prescribe a different medicine.
  • Quinine, which is a substance often found in tonic water and nutritional health products.

 

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.