A case study of thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura: a 'powerful poison'
(2004) A case study of thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura: a 'powerful poison'. Australian Critical Care 17(2):pp. 54-64.
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Abstract
This paper presents the case of a previously well 72 year old man who spent 86 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) following a remarkable and explosive presentation of the rare condition thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP). TTP is an intravascular platelet aggregation disorder that, without treatment, is associated with significantly high mortality rates. This paper discusses TTP in terms of its presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. In addition to TTP, the patient developed a number of comorbidities during his stay in ICU. Particular attention is given to two major problems: acute renal failure and prolonged encephalopathy. These issues, along with the initial diagnosis of TTP, resulted in the patient remaining in ICU for a longer period than otherwise might have been expected. Despite many obstacles, the patient recovered and was discharged from hospital 116 days after initial presentation. (author abstract)
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Keywords: | Purpura ; Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic, diagnosis ; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic, therapy ; Aged ; Human ; Intensive Care ; Kidney Failure, Acute complications ; Male ; Plasma Exchange ; Platelet Transfusion ; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic complications ; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic physiopathology |
| Subjects: | 320000 Medical and Health Sciences > 321100 Nursing > 321103 Clinical Nursing - Secondary (Acute Care) |
| ID Code: | 1344 |
| Deposited By: | Matthews-McBride, Judith |
| Deposited On: | 20 October 2005 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://www.acccn.com.au/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=72 |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2004 ACCCN |
| Copyright Statement: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. |
| Additional Information: |