Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Immune thrombocytopenia

Petechiae, or small bruise-like markings, may occur in ITP

Classification and external resources

Specialty Hematology

ICD-10 D69.3

ICD-9-CM 287.31

OMIM 188030

DiseasesDB 6673

MedlinePlus 000535

eMedicine emerg/282

Patient UK Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

MeSH D016553

[edit on Wikidata]
Immune thrombocytopenia[1] (ITP), also known as immune thrombocytopenic
purpura, idiopathic immune thrombocytopenia, primary immune
thrombocytopenia, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, primary immune thrombocytopenic
purpura, or autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, is defined as isolated low platelet count
(thrombocytopenia) with normal bone marrow and the absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia.
It causes a characteristic purpuric rash and an increased tendency to bleed. Two distinct clinical
syndromes manifest as an acute condition in children and a chronic condition in adults. The acute
form often follows an infection and has a spontaneous resolution within two months. Chronic
immune thrombocytopenia persists longer than six months with a specific cause being unknown.
ITP is an autoimmune disease with antibodies detectable against several platelet surface antigens.
ITP is diagnosed by a low platelet count in a complete blood count (a common blood test). However,
since the diagnosis depends on the exclusion of other causes of a low platelet count, additional
investigations (such as a bone marrow biopsy) may be necessary in some cases.
In mild cases, only careful observation may be required but very low counts or significant bleeding
may prompt treatment with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, anti-D immunoglobulin, or
immunosuppressive drugs. Refractory ITP (not responsive to conventional treatment) may
require splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen. Platelet transfusions may be used in severe
bleeding together with a very low count. Sometimes the body may compensate by making
abnormally large platelets.
Splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your spleen. The spleen is an organ that sits
under your rib cage on the upper left side of your abdomen. It helps fight infection and filters
unneeded material, such as old or damaged blood cells.