|
WHAT IS ITP?
ITP stands for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. It is a bleeding
disorder characterized
by low platelet counts and excessive bruising. It is
also called immune thrombocytopenic
purpura because more is being learned about the
autoimmune nature of the disease.
In people with ITP, all of the blood cells are normal
except for the blood platelets.
Platelets are necessary for the clotting process by
clumping together to seal wounds.
A person with too few platelets bruises easily and
bleeds for a long time after
being injured. Tiny red dots on the skin, called
petechiae might also appear due
to bleeding under the skin. The person might have
nosebleeds that are hard to stop,
bleeding in the intestines, or abnormally heavy
menstrual cycles.
|
|
What Causes ITP?
The cause of ITP is not known. People with ITP form
antibodies that destroy their
blood platelets. Normally, antibodies are a healthy
response to bacteria or viruses.
In people with ITP, however, the antibodies attack the
body’s own blood platelets.
|
Who Gets ITP?
- Adults
- Children
- Pregnancy induced
|
|
ITP in Adults vs. Children
Childhood ITP is usually seen in an otherwise healthy
child. The signs are sudden
and worsening bruising, and possibly petechiae which are
seen in the dependent areas
such as the buttocks for infants and toddlers, and the
legs and feet for older kids.
Approximately, one in every 600-700 children will
develop childhood ITP. The peak
occurrence is between the ages of 2-5 years, with equal
occurrences between boys
and girls. There is an 80% chance of remission within
6-9 months. The other 20%
will be known as “chronic”, but they too have a chance
of remission.
Adult ITP is mainly immune related and most always
chronic. There are more women
than men affected. Adults tend to have increasing
bleeding and bruising for weeks
or months. Women may see increased menstrual flow. Many
tend to have mild thrombocytopenia,
and may only discover it with blood work taken for other
reasons.
|
How is ITP diagnosed?
Possible tests include:
-
Physical Exam
-
Complete blood count or CBC (will include platelet
count)
-
Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy to rule out other
diseases ( may not be needed)
-
PT and PTT (bleeding times)
|
How is ITP treated?
-
Steroids
-
IVIG
-
WinRho
-
Watch and wait
-
Spleen removal
-
Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinning drugs
(these are often drugs that
may interfere and lower platelet counts)
|
|
What to Expect?
Many children experience a spontaneous remission. Others
may require many treatments
and may be diagnosed as chronic (no remission after 6
months). Education is crucial
in the care of a child with ITP. Safety issues to be
aware of are:
Activity limitation
Signs and Symptoms of major bleeding
Side effects of treatments (all medicines have some side
effects)
Adults also may experience a remission or may continue
with chronically low platelet
counts.
|
Complications
- Severe bleeding
-
Head trauma
- Severe and sudden headache
- Vomiting
- Changes in level of consciousness
If any of the symptoms occur, notify your doctor immediately or call 911.
|
Important ITP Documents
The information included above is not intended to be
used for self diagnosis, or
to replace that of your physician. This information was
compiled to simplify an
explanation of this disorder. Please discuss your
symptoms with your physician,
and if it is a medical emergency, dial 911.
|
