Clinical feature: 

Definition: This group of diseases is characterized by systemic or intrarenal aggregation of platelets, thrombocytopenia, and mechanical injury to erythrocytes.

Pathogenesis: The pathogenetic link is the occlusion of microvessels by microthrombi. The resulting insufficient perfusion is responsible for the organ specific symptoms.

Diagnostics: 

Strategy: Along with the well known routine laboratory parameters, measurement of factor H and metalloproteinases namely ADAMTS13 is recommended.

Literature: 

McCrae KR et al. (2001) Platelets: an update on diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenic disorders.
Shah NT et al. (2003) Controversies in differentiating thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Moake JL et al. (2002) Thrombotic microangiopathies.
Nürnberger J et al. (2009) Eculizumab for atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome.