Immune thrombocytopenic purpura: Difference between revisions
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'''Immune thrombocytopenic purpura''' (ITP) is a disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. The bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets | {{SI}} | ||
[[File:Petechiaesmall.jpg|thumb|Small petechiae on the skin]] | |||
[[File:Petechia_on_the_tongue.jpg|left|thumb|Petechia on the tongue]] | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Immune thrombocytopenic purpura | |||
| image = [[File:Purpura.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Purpura on the lower limb due to [[Immune thrombocytopenic purpura]] | |||
| field = [[Hematology]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]], ITP | |||
| symptoms = [[Petechiae]], [[purpura]], [[epistaxis]], [[gum bleeding]], [[menorrhagia]] | |||
| complications = [[Intracranial hemorrhage]], [[severe bleeding]] | |||
| onset = Any age, but more common in children and young adults | |||
| duration = Acute (self-limiting) or chronic | |||
| causes = [[Autoimmune disorder]] | |||
| risks = [[Viral infections]], [[vaccinations]], [[genetic predisposition]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Complete blood count]], [[bone marrow biopsy]], [[antiplatelet antibody test]] | |||
| differential = [[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura]], [[hemolytic uremic syndrome]], [[leukemia]] | |||
| treatment = [[Corticosteroids]], [[intravenous immunoglobulin]], [[splenectomy]], [[rituximab]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment, but can be chronic | |||
| frequency = 2-5 per 100,000 people per year | |||
| deaths = Rare, but possible due to severe bleeding | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Petechia_lower_leg2.jpg|left|thumb|Petechiae on the lower leg]] | |||
[[File:Giant_platelets_in_ITP.jpg|left|thumb|Giant platelets in ITP]] | |||
'''Immune thrombocytopenic purpura''' (ITP) is a disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. The bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets — the cells that help blood clot. | |||
== Definition == | == Definition == | ||
[[Immune thrombocytopenic purpura]] (ITP) is a condition that causes a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help form clots to stop bleeding. In ITP, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. This can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising. | [[Immune thrombocytopenic purpura]] (ITP) is a condition that causes a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help form clots to stop bleeding. In ITP, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. This can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of ITP can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience: | Symptoms of ITP can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience: | ||
| Line 12: | Line 34: | ||
* Blood in urine or stools | * Blood in urine or stools | ||
* Unusually heavy menstrual flow | * Unusually heavy menstrual flow | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of ITP is unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. In the case of ITP, the immune system targets platelets. | The exact cause of ITP is unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. In the case of ITP, the immune system targets platelets. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of ITP is based on a physical examination, medical history, and blood tests. The blood tests will check for low platelet count, which is a key indicator of ITP. | Diagnosis of ITP is based on a physical examination, medical history, and blood tests. The blood tests will check for low platelet count, which is a key indicator of ITP. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for ITP is aimed at increasing the platelet count to a safe level, not necessarily to a normal level. Treatment options may include: | Treatment for ITP is aimed at increasing the platelet count to a safe level, not necessarily to a normal level. Treatment options may include: | ||
| Line 25: | Line 44: | ||
* Drugs that boost platelet production | * Drugs that boost platelet production | ||
* Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) | * Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for people with ITP varies. Some people may experience long periods of remission, while others may have persistent or recurrent symptoms. | The prognosis for people with ITP varies. Some people may experience long periods of remission, while others may have persistent or recurrent symptoms. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Autoimmune diseases]] | * [[Autoimmune diseases]] | ||
* [[Platelets]] | * [[Platelets]] | ||
* [[Bleeding disorders]] | * [[Bleeding disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Bleeding disorders]] | [[Category:Bleeding disorders]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:06, 26 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Immune thrombocytopenic purpura | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, ITP |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Petechiae, purpura, epistaxis, gum bleeding, menorrhagia |
| Complications | Intracranial hemorrhage, severe bleeding |
| Onset | Any age, but more common in children and young adults |
| Duration | Acute (self-limiting) or chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Autoimmune disorder |
| Risks | Viral infections, vaccinations, genetic predisposition |
| Diagnosis | Complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, antiplatelet antibody test |
| Differential diagnosis | Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, leukemia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, splenectomy, rituximab |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment, but can be chronic |
| Frequency | 2-5 per 100,000 people per year |
| Deaths | Rare, but possible due to severe bleeding |
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. The bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets — the cells that help blood clot.
Definition[edit]
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a condition that causes a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help form clots to stop bleeding. In ITP, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. This can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of ITP can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:
- Easy or excessive bruising
- Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Spontaneous bleeding from the gums or nose
- Blood in urine or stools
- Unusually heavy menstrual flow
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of ITP is unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. In the case of ITP, the immune system targets platelets.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of ITP is based on a physical examination, medical history, and blood tests. The blood tests will check for low platelet count, which is a key indicator of ITP.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for ITP is aimed at increasing the platelet count to a safe level, not necessarily to a normal level. Treatment options may include:
- Corticosteroids
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Drugs that boost platelet production
- Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy)
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for people with ITP varies. Some people may experience long periods of remission, while others may have persistent or recurrent symptoms.
