Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Childhood

By JAMES B. MACWHINNEY, JR., JAMES T. PACKER, Grii u.n Miu..i.ii AND ROBERT M. GREENDYKE T HROMBOTIC thrombocytopenic purpura ( TTP ) is a disease of unknown etiology which has as its most characteristic morphologic feature multiple hyaline thrombi. The clinical manifestations of the disease are hemolytic anemia, purpura, thrombocytopenia, fever, and signs and symptoms of neurologic dysfunction. While the course of the illness is usually measured in weeks, in some cases the process extends over a period of several years. We will describe two unusual cases of TTP in children; based on studies of these two patients and a review of the literature of TTP in childhood, we will emphasize certain clinical and pathologic features of this disorder.