Thrombotic microangiopathy – Diagnostics

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Thrombotic microangiopathy is a rare but life-threatening group of blood disorders that requires urgent medical attention and careful testing to identify the specific type. Understanding when to seek diagnostic testing and what tests are necessary can help save lives and ensure proper treatment.

Introduction: Who Should Undergo Diagnostics

Thrombotic microangiopathy, often shortened to TMA, is a rare medical condition that affects approximately 1 to 3 people out of every million. Despite its rarity, it represents a medical emergency that requires immediate attention from healthcare professionals.[1][14]

Anyone who develops certain warning signs should seek medical care urgently. The early symptoms can be vague and easy to miss. Many people initially experience general feelings of unwellness, such as malaise, weakness, and headache. Often, patients don’t realize something is seriously wrong until they visit their doctor for routine bloodwork or are admitted to the hospital for other reasons, at which point severely low platelet counts are discovered.[5]

Because the symptoms of thrombotic microangiopathy can be nonspecific, the condition is often first detected through basic laboratory tests rather than through obvious physical symptoms. This makes it particularly important for people experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, or other vague symptoms to seek medical evaluation, especially if they also notice unusual bruising or bleeding.[1]

Primary care physicians and emergency department doctors are often the first point of contact for patients with TMA. However, once the diagnosis is suspected based on initial test results, urgent referral to a specialty service is essential. Specialists in hematology, the study of blood disorders, or nephrology, the study of kidney diseases, are typically needed because these experts can provide specialized treatments such as plasma exchange.[1]

Certain groups of people may be at higher risk and should be especially vigilant. Pregnant women or those who have recently given birth should be aware that pregnancy can trigger episodes of TMA. People who have experienced serious bowel infections, particularly those caused by certain bacteria like E. coli, should also be monitored carefully. Additionally, individuals with a family history of TMA or those who have experienced previous episodes may need ongoing monitoring.[2][9]

⚠️ Important
Thrombotic microangiopathy is a hematologic emergency that requires prompt treatment. If you experience severe fatigue, unexplained bruising, or general unwellness along with other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection through blood tests can be lifesaving, as the condition can rapidly progress to cause serious organ damage if left untreated.

Classic Diagnostic Methods

Understanding the Hallmark Features

The diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy begins with recognizing a specific pattern of laboratory abnormalities. The hallmark of TMA is microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, which refers to the destruction of red blood cells within the small blood vessels. This process occurs alongside thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by abnormally low platelet counts due to platelet activation and consumption in forming small blood clots.[1]

When doctors suspect TMA, basic laboratory tests can reveal a characteristic constellation of findings. These include low platelet counts, anemia with evidence that red blood cells are being fragmented, and signs of hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells. The presence of all these features together points strongly toward a diagnosis of TMA.[1]

Blood Film Examination

One of the most important diagnostic tests is examining the blood under a microscope, known as a peripheral blood smear or blood film. This test allows healthcare providers to look directly at the shape and condition of blood cells. In thrombotic microangiopathy, the blood film reveals the presence of schistocytes, which are fragmented red blood cells that have been damaged as they passed through vessels blocked by tiny clots.[6]

For a diagnosis of acute TMA, schistocytes should be present at a pathological level, typically greater than 0.5 to 1 percent of all red blood cells. The appearance of these fragmented cells is a critical finding because it demonstrates that mechanical damage to red blood cells is occurring within the blood vessels.[12]

Laboratory Markers of Hemolysis

Several blood tests help confirm that hemolysis, or red blood cell destruction, is taking place. One key test measures lactate dehydrogenase, or LDH, an enzyme that is released when cells are damaged. In TMA, LDH levels are typically elevated to more than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal, roughly above 420 IU/L. This elevation occurs both because of hemolysis and because of tissue damage caused by blocked blood vessels.[12]

Another important test measures haptoglobin, a protein in the blood that binds to free hemoglobin released from damaged red blood cells. When red blood cells are being destroyed, haptoglobin levels drop because the protein is being used up. Low haptoglobin levels are therefore a marker of hemolysis.[6]

A Coombs test, also known as a direct antiglobulin test, is generally negative in TMA. This test looks for antibodies attached to red blood cells, which would suggest an immune-mediated cause of hemolysis. In most forms of TMA, the hemolysis is mechanical rather than immune-mediated, so the Coombs test helps rule out other causes of red blood cell destruction.[6]

Platelet Count Measurement

Measuring platelet counts is essential for diagnosing TMA. Thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count below 150,000 cells per microliter (or below 100,000 in pregnant women), is a key feature of the condition. In some cases, doctors may also look for a 25 percent reduction from a patient’s baseline platelet count, even if the absolute number is still within the normal range.[12]

The degree of thrombocytopenia can vary depending on the specific type of TMA. For example, in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), one of the main types of TMA, platelet counts are often severely low, usually less than 30,000. In contrast, in complement-mediated forms of TMA, thrombocytopenia is usually not as severe, with platelet counts typically remaining above 30,000.[12]

Coagulation Studies

Tests that measure blood clotting function, known as coagulation studies, are important for distinguishing TMA from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. In TMA, coagulation test results, including prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), are often normal or near normal. Fibrinogen levels, another marker of clotting, are also typically normal.[3][6]

These normal coagulation results help distinguish TMA from disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC, another serious condition that can cause thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. In DIC, coagulation tests are typically abnormal, with elevated PT and aPTT and low fibrinogen levels. The difference in coagulation profiles helps doctors determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.[3]

Assessing Organ Damage

Because TMA involves the formation of tiny blood clots that block small vessels throughout the body, it can lead to damage in various organs. Diagnostic testing must therefore include assessment of organ function to determine the extent of the disease.[1]

Kidney function tests are particularly important because the kidneys are among the organs most commonly affected by TMA. Tests may include measurements of creatinine, a waste product that builds up when kidneys aren’t working properly, and examination of urine for blood or protein. Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication of TMA, especially in certain types such as hemolytic uremic syndrome.[4]

Neurological symptoms are also common in some forms of TMA, particularly TTP. Patients may experience headaches, confusion, or even signs of stroke. When neurological symptoms are present, doctors may order imaging studies of the brain to look for evidence of damage caused by blocked blood vessels.[5]

The heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin can also be affected. Depending on a patient’s symptoms, additional tests may be needed to assess the function of these organs. For example, patients with abdominal pain and diarrhea may need stool tests to look for infectious causes, while those with chest pain may need cardiac enzyme tests or electrocardiograms.[12]

Specialized Testing to Identify TMA Type

Once thrombotic microangiopathy is suspected based on the initial findings, specialized testing is crucial to determine the specific type of TMA. This distinction is critical because different types of TMA require different treatments.[1]

One of the most important specialized tests measures the activity of an enzyme called ADAMTS13. This enzyme, made by the liver, is responsible for breaking down large clotting factors called von Willebrand factor. When ADAMTS13 activity is severely reduced (typically less than 10 percent of normal), it indicates thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Some people are born with genetic mutations that prevent them from producing this enzyme, while others develop antibodies that inhibit its function.[5][7]

Testing for ADAMTS13 activity, the level of the enzyme itself, and the presence of inhibitors (antibodies against the enzyme) helps differentiate TTP from other types of TMA. This information is essential because TTP requires urgent plasma exchange therapy, while other forms of TMA may need different treatments.[7]

For patients in whom Shiga toxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome is suspected, particularly those with a history of diarrheal illness, stool tests can look for evidence of infection with Shiga toxin-producing bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7 or Shigella. These infections typically occur after eating contaminated food and are a common cause of HUS, especially in children.[4]

Complement testing may be ordered to evaluate for complement-mediated TMA, previously known as atypical HUS. This involves measuring levels of various proteins involved in the complement system, a part of the immune system that helps fight infections. Abnormalities in complement regulation can lead to TMA, and identifying these abnormalities can guide treatment decisions.[10]

Genetic testing is increasingly recommended for patients with TMA, especially when complement-mediated disease is suspected. Approximately 50 to 70 percent of patients with complement-mediated TMA have mutations in genes that regulate the complement system. Identifying these genetic variants can help predict disease course, risk of recurrence, and response to treatment. Genetic testing can also identify family members who may be at risk.[4][6]

Excluding Other Conditions

An important part of diagnosing TMA involves ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Proper diagnosis requires a thorough diagnostic workup to identify any secondary causes of TMA-like features.[1]

Certain medical conditions can trigger secondary forms of TMA. These include severe high blood pressure (malignant hypertension), certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infections. Pregnancy-related conditions such as severe preeclampsia or a syndrome called HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) can also cause features similar to TMA. Careful evaluation of a patient’s medical history and current medications is therefore essential.[2][3]

Various medications have been associated with causing TMA. Certain cancer chemotherapy drugs, immunosuppressive medications used after organ transplantation (particularly calcineurin inhibitors), and some blood pressure medications can trigger the condition. Identifying drug-induced TMA is important because stopping the offending medication may lead to improvement.[2]

⚠️ Important
The diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy requires multiple laboratory tests working together to paint a complete picture. No single test can diagnose TMA on its own. Instead, doctors look for a pattern of findings including schistocytes on blood film, evidence of hemolysis, low platelet counts, and organ damage. Specialized tests to identify the specific type of TMA are essential for choosing the right treatment approach.

Diagnostics for Clinical Trial Qualification

Clinical trials investigating new treatments for thrombotic microangiopathy use standardized diagnostic criteria to ensure that enrolled patients truly have the condition being studied. These criteria help researchers compare results across different studies and ensure patient safety.[1]

Standard Laboratory Criteria

Clinical trials typically require specific laboratory findings to confirm the diagnosis of TMA before a patient can participate. The required tests generally include documentation of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, which must be demonstrated through the presence of schistocytes on a blood film examination. Most trials specify a minimum percentage of schistocytes that must be present, often requiring levels above 0.5 to 1 percent of red blood cells.[6]

Evidence of hemolysis must be documented through laboratory markers. Trials typically require elevated LDH levels, often specified as above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal. Low haptoglobin levels and a negative Coombs test are also commonly required to confirm that hemolysis is mechanical rather than immune-mediated.[6][12]

Thrombocytopenia must be documented, with most trials requiring platelet counts below a certain threshold. The specific cutoff varies depending on the trial and the type of TMA being studied, but commonly used thresholds include platelet counts below 150,000 or below 100,000 cells per microliter.[12]

ADAMTS13 Testing Requirements

For clinical trials studying treatments for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, measurement of ADAMTS13 activity is a crucial enrollment criterion. Most TTP trials require that patients have severely reduced ADAMTS13 activity, typically less than 10 percent of normal levels. This threshold helps ensure that patients truly have TTP rather than another form of TMA.[7]

Some trials also require testing for ADAMTS13 inhibitors, which are antibodies that block the enzyme’s function. The presence and level of these inhibitors can help distinguish between acquired (immune-mediated) TTP and hereditary forms of the disease. This distinction may be important for trial enrollment because different studies may focus on specific subtypes of TTP.[5]

Complement System Evaluation

Clinical trials investigating treatments for complement-mediated TMA typically require comprehensive evaluation of the complement system. This may include measurements of various complement proteins and their breakdown products. Tests might measure levels of C3 and C5 complement components, as well as regulatory proteins such as factor H, factor I, and membrane cofactor protein.[10]

Many trials require genetic testing to identify mutations in complement regulatory genes. Common genes tested include those encoding complement factor H (CFH), complement factor I (CFI), membrane cofactor protein (MCP), and others involved in complement regulation. The presence of specific mutations may determine eligibility for certain trials, particularly those studying treatments targeted at specific genetic abnormalities.[6]

Organ Function Assessment

Clinical trials typically require detailed assessment of organ function to determine disease severity and monitor treatment response. Kidney function is assessed through measurement of serum creatinine, calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinalysis. Some trials may require kidney biopsies to document the extent of TMA-related kidney damage, though this is not always necessary.[4]

Neurological function may be evaluated through clinical examination and, in some cases, neuroimaging studies or neuropsychological testing. Cardiac function assessment might include electrocardiograms, echocardiography, or measurement of cardiac enzyme levels. The specific assessments required depend on the organs typically affected by the type of TMA being studied.[12]

Exclusion of Secondary Causes

Most clinical trials have strict criteria for excluding patients who have secondary forms of TMA, meaning TMA triggered by other medical conditions or medications. Extensive testing may be required to rule out infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and drug-induced causes. Patients may need to discontinue certain medications before enrollment if those drugs are known to cause TMA.[1]

For trials studying complement-mediated TMA, it is particularly important to exclude Shiga toxin-associated HUS and TTP. This requires both ADAMTS13 testing and tests for Shiga toxin or Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. Excluding these conditions ensures that study results specifically apply to complement-mediated disease.[4]

Timing and Disease Activity Requirements

Many clinical trials have specific requirements regarding the timing of diagnosis and current disease activity. Some trials may only accept patients within a certain timeframe from their initial diagnosis or most recent disease flare. This ensures that the intervention is being studied at the appropriate stage of disease.[6]

Trials may also specify whether they are studying acute treatment during an active episode or maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence. The diagnostic requirements may differ depending on the trial’s focus. For maintenance trials, patients may need to have evidence of disease remission, defined by normalization of certain laboratory parameters such as platelet counts and LDH levels.[12]

Baseline and Follow-up Testing

Clinical trials typically require comprehensive baseline testing before treatment begins, followed by regular monitoring throughout the study period. Baseline testing establishes the patient’s disease status at enrollment and provides a reference point for assessing treatment response. Follow-up testing schedules vary but often include frequent blood tests to monitor platelet counts, hemolysis markers, and organ function.[6]

Some trials may require more specialized follow-up testing, such as regular ADAMTS13 activity measurements or complement level monitoring. The frequency and type of follow-up testing depend on the treatment being studied and the study’s specific research questions. Patients enrolled in clinical trials should expect more frequent testing than they would receive as part of standard care, as this detailed monitoring helps researchers understand how treatments work and how safe they are.[10]

Prognosis and Survival Rate

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with thrombotic microangiopathy has improved dramatically in recent years, particularly since the introduction of targeted therapies in 2011. However, the outlook varies significantly depending on the specific type of TMA, how quickly treatment begins, and whether the underlying cause can be identified and addressed.[10]

For thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, prompt initiation of plasma exchange therapy is critical. Before effective treatments were available, TTP was often fatal, but with modern therapy, most patients survive their initial episode. However, TTP can recur, and patients may experience multiple episodes over their lifetime. The risk of recurrence and long-term outcomes depend on whether the disease is hereditary or acquired, and whether ongoing preventive treatment is used.[5]

Patients with Shiga toxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome typically have a good prognosis with supportive care, though the acute phase can be severe. Most children with this form of HUS recover, though approximately 3 to 4 percent may die during the acute phase. Long-term follow-up reveals that about one-third of patients develop evidence of chronic kidney damage, which may require ongoing monitoring and treatment.[15]

Complement-mediated TMA, previously known as atypical HUS, historically had a poor prognosis before targeted complement-blocking therapies became available. With these newer treatments, outcomes have improved substantially. However, some patients may still develop permanent organ damage, particularly kidney damage requiring dialysis or transplantation. The presence of certain genetic mutations may affect prognosis and the likelihood of disease recurrence.[10]

Several factors influence prognosis across all types of TMA. Rapid diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing permanent organ damage. The extent of organ involvement at presentation also affects outcomes—patients with more severe kidney injury, neurological complications, or multi-organ failure typically have poorer prognoses. Identifying and treating secondary causes of TMA, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or drug toxicity, usually leads to better outcomes as the TMA often resolves when the underlying condition is addressed.[1]

Recovery from an episode of TMA can take time, and some patients experience ongoing symptoms even after laboratory values improve. Neurological problems such as memory difficulties, confusion, loss of concentration, dizziness, lack of balance, headaches, or double vision may persist during recovery. Mental and emotional health challenges, including anxiety about future episodes, are also common after experiencing TMA. Many patients report increased fatigue and tiredness that can last for months after treatment.[9]

Survival rate

Survival rates for thrombotic microangiopathy depend heavily on the specific type of disease and access to appropriate treatment. The introduction of plasma exchange therapy in the 1980s and complement inhibitor therapies in 2011 dramatically improved survival compared to earlier eras.[10]

For thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with plasma exchange, survival rates during the acute episode are now quite high, though specific percentages were not detailed in the available sources. However, less than 5 percent of TTP patients present with the classic pentad of symptoms (fever, low platelet count, neurological symptoms, kidney injury, and anemia), indicating that the disease can be subtle and potentially under-recognized, which may affect overall outcomes.[5]

For Shiga toxin-associated HUS in children, mortality during the acute phase is approximately 3 to 4 percent with appropriate supportive care. The requirement for renal replacement therapy, which occurs in up to 45 percent of cases, is associated with the mortality rate during this phase. Adult cases, particularly those associated with specific bacterial strains such as the E. coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany in 2011, may have different outcomes.[15]

While specific survival statistics were not provided in the sources for other forms of TMA, the condition is consistently described as life-threatening, particularly when diagnosis is delayed or when patients don’t have access to specialized treatments such as plasma exchange or complement inhibitors. Multi-organ failure can occur as tiny blood clots spread throughout the body, affecting the brain, kidneys, heart, liver, and other major organs, which significantly worsens prognosis.[2]

Long-term survival and quality of life have improved substantially with modern therapies. For complement-mediated TMA, the introduction of C5 inhibitors has transformed management and significantly improved outcomes compared to the era before 2011 when therapeutic plasma exchange was the primary therapy. However, challenges remain in determining optimal treatment duration and preventing relapses, which continue to affect long-term outcomes.[10]

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Thrombotic microangiopathy

  • Study of Narsoplimab for Children with High-Risk Blood Vessel Damage After Stem Cell Transplant

    Recruiting

    1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany The Netherlands Spain
  • A study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of urokinase, catalytic domain, fused with a single-chain antibody against von Willebrand factor in patients with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1
    France Germany Italy Spain
  • Study on Ravulizumab for Patients with Thrombotic Microangiopathy After Stem Cell Transplant

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium France Germany Greece Italy The Netherlands +3
  • Study of Pegcetacoplan (APL-2) in Patients with Transplant-associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy After Stem Cell Transplantation

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    France Greece Italy Spain

References

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5266569/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrombotic_microangiopathy

https://arupconsult.com/content/thrombotic-microangiopathies

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK611985/

https://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/news/chairs-corner/podcast/tma-saha/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9544907/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5997890/

https://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/news/chairs-corner/podcast/tma-saha/

https://pts.understandingttp.com/en/living-with-ttp/life_with_ttp

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11951749/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5266569/

https://emcrit.org/ibcc/tma/

https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/66858/therapeutic-strategies-for-thrombotic-microangiopathyundefined

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/causes-of-thrombotic-microangiopathy

https://bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-025-04080-9

https://medlineplus.gov/diagnostictests.html

https://www.questdiagnostics.com/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diagnostic-tests

https://www.who.int/health-topics/diagnostics

https://www.yalemedicine.org/clinical-keywords/diagnostic-testsprocedures

https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/rapid-diagnostics

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests-and-medical-procedures

FAQ

What blood tests will my doctor order if they suspect thrombotic microangiopathy?

Your doctor will typically order a complete blood count to check your platelet levels and red blood cell counts, a blood film to look for fragmented red blood cells called schistocytes, tests to measure hemolysis markers like LDH and haptoglobin, and a Coombs test. They may also check your kidney function and order specialized tests like ADAMTS13 activity to determine the specific type of TMA.[1][6]

How do doctors tell the difference between TTP and hemolytic uremic syndrome?

The key test is measuring ADAMTS13 enzyme activity. In TTP, ADAMTS13 activity is severely reduced (usually less than 10 percent of normal), while in hemolytic uremic syndrome it is typically normal. Doctors also look at which organs are most affected—TTP usually causes more neurological symptoms, while HUS primarily affects the kidneys. Additionally, doctors will ask about recent diarrheal illness, which suggests Shiga toxin-associated HUS.[5][7]

What is the difference between schistocytes and normal red blood cells?

Normal red blood cells are smooth, round discs. Schistocytes are fragmented, irregularly shaped pieces of red blood cells that look broken or torn when viewed under a microscope. They form when red blood cells are mechanically damaged as they squeeze through blood vessels that are partially blocked by tiny clots. Finding schistocytes on a blood film is one of the hallmark signs of thrombotic microangiopathy.[6]

Why is genetic testing recommended for some patients with TMA?

Genetic testing can identify mutations in genes that regulate the complement system, which are found in about 50 to 70 percent of patients with complement-mediated TMA. Knowing whether you have these mutations helps predict your risk of disease recurrence, guides treatment decisions, and allows family members to be tested to see if they might also be at risk. The mutations have incomplete penetrance, meaning they don’t always cause disease on their own but may require a second trigger.[4][6]

Can thrombotic microangiopathy be diagnosed with just one blood test?

No, diagnosing TMA requires multiple laboratory tests that together paint a complete picture. Doctors need to see schistocytes on a blood film, evidence of hemolysis through markers like elevated LDH and low haptoglobin, low platelet counts, and signs of organ damage. They also need specialized tests to determine the specific type of TMA and rule out other conditions that can look similar. No single test can diagnose TMA on its own.[1][6]

🎯 Key takeaways

  • Early symptoms of TMA are often vague (weakness, fatigue, headache), and the condition is frequently detected through routine blood tests showing dangerously low platelet counts rather than obvious physical symptoms.
  • The hallmark diagnostic features of TMA include schistocytes (fragmented red blood cells) on blood film, evidence of hemolysis, low platelet counts, and organ damage—all must be present together.
  • ADAMTS13 enzyme testing is crucial for distinguishing TTP from other forms of TMA, with severely reduced activity (less than 10 percent) indicating TTP.
  • Coagulation tests in TMA are typically normal, which helps differentiate it from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), where clotting tests are abnormal.
  • Genetic testing for complement system mutations is increasingly important, as 50 to 70 percent of complement-mediated TMA patients have these mutations, though they need a “second hit” trigger to cause disease.
  • TMA is a medical emergency requiring immediate referral to hematology or nephrology specialists who can provide treatments like plasma exchange—waiting for all test results before starting treatment can be dangerous.
  • Clinical trials use strict diagnostic criteria including specific thresholds for schistocytes (above 0.5-1 percent), LDH levels (above 1.5 times normal), and platelet counts to ensure accurate patient enrollment.
  • Different types of TMA affect different organs predominantly—TTP causes more neurological symptoms, while HUS primarily damages kidneys, which guides both diagnosis and treatment approaches.