Nursing Care for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Report of Six Cases

Abstract

Context: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, disseminated microvascular thrombosis-hemorrhagic syndrome with an extremely low incidence, rapid onset, and severe symptoms. The disease progresses rapidly, and if left untreated, it can lead to death. High-quality nursing management is crucial for ensuring patient prognosis during treatment. Currently, the development of nursing management systems for TTP patients has received relatively little attention, and evidence-based experience in TTP nursing interventions is limited.

Aim: To summarize and analyze the nursing management experience of six patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), focusing on key strategies such as emergency care, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) coordination, medication monitoring, and psychological support, to provide practical references for improving clinical nursing quality and patient outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive case series was conducted at Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities. Baise, Guangxi, China, including six patients with secondary Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) admitted between May and September 2023. Data were obtained from medical records, laboratory reports, treatment documentation, and nursing care notes.

Results: Following therapeutic plasma exchange and pharmacological treatment, combined with comprehensive nursing interventions—including emergency care, TPE-associated nursing management, medication monitoring, and psychological support—five patients showed significant clinical improvement and were successfully discharged, while one patient unfortunately succumbed to the disease.

Conclusion: TTP is a rare, rapidly progressive, and critical thrombotic microangiopathy that requires early diagnosis, standardized treatment, and systematic nursing care. Based on the experience of six cases, the study recommends key strategies for treating TTP, including emergency care, plasma exchange, drug monitoring, and psychological support. The employed nursing approach is highly practical and can serve as a valuable reference for the clinical management and nursing care of similar cases.