Understanding Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a condition in which there are low levels of platelets in the blood, causing easy bruising. People who suffer from ITP usually have purpura on their skin. Purpura is a condition of red or purple discolored spots on the skin. The spots are caused by bleeding underneath the skin. This condition is caused when the immune system mistakens the thrombocyte to foreign body, therefore attacking and destroying it. It could appear firstly after an infection, and in adults it may be triggered by HIV, hepatitis, and H. pylori. This condition could become chronic.

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Signs & symptoms

ITP symptoms include purpura which manifests as red or purple-colored spots on the skin or inside the mouth, that do not blanch on applying pressure. They measure 3–10 mm. Other symptoms may include easy or excessive bleeding, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in urine or stool and a heavy menstrual flow.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon finding in medical history, physical examination and low platelet count on blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and may include only monitoring while others will get steroids, immunoglobulins, and drugs that increase platelet production. In severe cases, a splenectomy may be done to eliminate the source of platelet destruction.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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