A person who uses any of the amphetamines may be at risk for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Drugs implicated:
(1) amphetamine
(2) methamphetamine
(3) Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine)
Proposed mechanisms:
(1) vasoconstriction
(2) vasculitis
Manifestations may include:
(1) petechiae and/or purpura
(2) acute renal injury
(3) acute hepatic injury
(4) acute myocardial ischemia
(5) pancreatitis
(6) altered mental status
(7) sudden death
Laboratory tests show:
(1) severe thrombocytopenia
(2) elevated serum creatinine
(3) hemolytic anemia with schistocytosis
(4) elevated serum LDH
(5) proteinuria
(6) lactic acidosis
The diagnosis of TTP associated with low levels of ADAMTS13 (low activity, low antigen).
The diagnosis also required that other causes of TTP be excluded.
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory
