What is the Difference Between ITP and TTP?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) are two distinct autoimmune hematologic disorders that affect platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). The main differences between ITP and TTP include their pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatments:
- Pathophysiology: ITP is a disorder of platelet destruction governed by platelet autoantibodies, while TTP is primarily a disorder of platelet consumption and microthrombi formation resulting in organ ischemia. TTP is related to an enzyme that controls how blood clots and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated right away.
- Clinical Manifestations: Both ITP and TTP can present with thrombocytopenia, but TTP is typically associated with more severe clinical manifestations, such as acute kidney injury, hemolytic anemia, and neurological symptoms. ITP, on the other hand, is often characterized by bruising, bleeding, and purpura (purple skin patches).
- Treatments: While corticosteroids and rituximab are used to treat both ITP and TTP, the treatment courses may differ significantly. TTP requires urgent therapeutic plasma exchange, which is not typically used in ITP. Additionally, the response to treatments alone can assist in discerning the dominant autoimmune mechanism driving the disease in cases where both disorders coexist.
In rare cases, ITP and TTP can occur concurrently, even in healthy individuals. The exact diagnosis of both disorders can be challenging, and care must be taken to consider both conditions, especially when a patient presents with thrombocytopenia and other symptoms that could be explained by either disease.
Comparative Table: ITP vs TTP
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) are both blood disorders that cause thrombocytopenia, but they have different causes and treatments. Here is a table outlining the differences between ITP and TTP:
| Feature | ITP | TTP |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | ITP is a condition characterized by a platelet count below 100,000 platelets per cubic millimeter, excluding known causes of thrombocytopenia. Platelet-associated immunoglobulin (Ig) M or IgG is commonly identified. | TTP is a distinct disease that causes thrombocytopenia. It is primarily associated with the formation of platelet-rich thrombi. |
| Causes | ITP can be primary (80% of cases) or secondary to other conditions. | TTP's cause is not as well understood, but it is primarily associated with the formation of platelet-rich thrombi. |
| Symptoms | ITP symptoms may include easy bruising, nosebleeds, and heavy menstrual periods. | TTP symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and impaired mental status. |
| Treatments | ITP treatments may include glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulin, or other immunosuppressive medications. | TTP treatments may include plasma exchange (PEX) and, in some cases, glucocorticoids. |
| Concurrent Cases | Concurrence of ITP and TTP is rare, but it has been reported in some cases. |
It is essential for clinicians to be aware of the differences between these two disorders to ensure prompt and appropriate medical intervention.
- Acute vs Chronic ITP
- APTT vs PTT
- PT vs PTT
- Pancytopenia vs Thrombocytopenia
- Thrombocytopenia vs Thrombocytosis
- tTG IgA vs tTG IgG
- Thrombin vs Prothrombin
- Thrombosis vs Thrombocytopenia
- Hemochromatosis vs Thalassemia
- Dengue vs Typhoid
- Typhus vs Typhoid
- Typhoid vs Tuberculosis
- Thrombocytopenia vs Hemophilia
- Malaria vs Typhoid
- PP vs PPCP
- TDP vs TDT
- Sickle Cell Anemia vs Thalassemia
- Thrombophlebitis vs Phlebothrombosis
- Blood Transfusion vs Iron Infusion