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