Table 1.
Differentiating features and laboratory parameters for aHUS, TTP and DIC.
| Parameter | aHUS | TTP | DIC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etiology/mechanism | Uncontrolled activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system | Deficiency of ADAMTS13 | Sepsis/infection/multiple transfusions |
| Anemia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thrombocytopenia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Renal injury | Usually severe | Usually mild to moderate | Uncommon |
| Schistocytes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reticulocyte count | Elevated | Elevated | Elevated |
| PT | Normal | Normal | Elevated |
| aPTT | Normal | Normal | Elevated |
| Fibrinogen | Normal | Normal | Low/normal |
| FDP | Normal | Normal | Elevated |
| ADAMTS13 activity | Normal (>5%) | Low (<5%) | Normal (>5%) |
| Treatment | Complement blockade by monoclonal antibody | Plasmapheresis | Treat the underlying etiology |
aHUS: atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome; TTP: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; DIC: disseminated intravascular coagulation; PT: prothrombin time; aPTT: activated partial thromboplastin time; FDP: fibrin degradation products.