Who Is At Risk for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare condition. Most cases of TTP are acquired. Acquired TTP mostly occurs in adults, but it can affect children. The condition occurs more often in women and in Blacks than in other groups.

Inherited TTP mainly affects newborns and children. Most people who have inherited TTP begin to have symptoms soon after birth. Some, however, don't have symptoms until they're adults.

What triggers inherited and acquired TTP isn't known, but some factors may play a role. These may include:

• Some diseases and conditions, such as pregnancy, cancer, HIV, infection, and lupus
• Some medical procedures, such as surgery and blood and marrow stem cell transplant
• Some medicines, such as chemotherapy, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, cyclosporine A, and hormone replacement therapy and estrogens
• Quinine, which is a substance often found in tonic water and nutritional health products