[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura--recent development of TTP study]

Acute TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) is a fulminant and fatal syndrome of unknown etiology. TTP was one of the research subjects of the Japanese-German Cooperation on Science and Technology. The cooperation study has been carried out for 6 years since 1986. The results obtained by the members in the Japanese Study Group are described in this special issue of this journal. Papers presenred involve the subjects of the cause of TTP; platelet activating factor, platelet shape changing factor, plasma thrombomodulin, factor IXa-antithrombin III complex, endotherial cell injury, stability of prostacyclin, von Willebrant factor multimers and cytokines. The results of treatment of TTP with plasma infusion and plasma exchange are summarized and compared with the results reported by the Canadian Apheresis Study Group.