Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

An autoimmune disorder in which the number of circulating platelets is reduced due to their antibody-mediated destruction. ITP is a diagnosis of exclusion and is heterogeneous in origin.

Symptoms of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The following features are indicative of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
  • easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
  • superficial bleeding into the skin
  • rash like pinpoint sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs
  • bleeding from the gums or nose
  • blood in urine or stools
  • unusually heavy menstrual flow

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Common Causes of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The following are the most common causes of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
  • immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying platelets
  • viral illness
  • platelet counts below 20,000

Risk Factors for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
  • being female
  • viral illness such as mumps, measles or a respiratory infection

Prevention of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid activities that could cause injury
  • drink alcohol in moderation
  • watch for signs of infection
  • use caution with over-the-counter medications

Occurrence of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Not common between 50K - 500K cases

Common Age Group

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged > 50 years

Common Gender

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
  • Complete blood count (CBC): To determine the number of blood cells including platelets in a sample of blood
  • Blood smear test: To confirm the number of platelets observed in a complete blood count
  • Bone marrow exam: To help identify the cause of a low platelet count

Doctor for Diagnosis of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
  • Hematologist

Complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura if untreated

Yes, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is left untreated:
  • bleeding into the brain
  • can be fatal
  • heavy bleeding during delivery

Procedures for Treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The following procedures are used to treat Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
  • Splenectomy: To surgically remove the spleen

Self-care for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
  • Avoid activities that could cause injury: Don't do contact sports which can make condition worsen
  • Drink alcohol in moderation: To slow the production of platelets in body
  • Be alert: Watch for signs of infection including fever, and seek prompt treatment

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

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