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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP

• What is Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP?
• Who gets Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP?
• Predisposing Factors
• Progression
• Probable Outcomes
• How is Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP Diagnosed?
• How is Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP treated?
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP References
• Drugs/Products Associated with Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP

What is Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP?

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a disease involving immune destruction of platelets. Platelets are cells present in the blood which are important in forming 'plugs' in damaged vessels to stop bleeding, while the longer process of clotting occurs. In ITP, destruction of platelets leads to an increased tendancy to bleed.

Who gets Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP?

According to studies in Denmark and England, childhood ITP occurs in approximately 10-40 cases per 1,000,000 per year. A study in Kuwait reported a higher incidence of 125 cases per 1,000,000 per year

Predisposing Factors

The word 'idiopathic' means of unknown cause. While the precise mechanism of the development of the disease has not been found, the disease is associated with the following factors:

Viral infection in children

Autoimmune diorders in adults, such as thyroid disease, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (Evan's syndrome)

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, solid tumours

Viral infections such as HIV

Progression

Acute ITP is usually seen in children, often following a viral infection. The disease usually remits (disappears) spontaneously.

Chronic ITP is characteristically seen in adult women. Chronic ITP is unlikely to go away on its own.

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