This group of diseases is characterized by systemic or intrarenal aggregation of platelets, thrombocytopenia, and mechanical injury to erythrocytes.
Along with the well known routine laboratory parameters, measurement of factor H and metalloproteinases namely ADAMTS13 is recommended.
The pathogenetic link is the occlusion of microvessels by microthrombi. The resulting insufficient perfusion is responsible for the organ specific symptoms.