Diseases
immune thrombocytopenic purpura
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding.
Symptoms
- easy or excessive bruising
- superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as pinpoint-sized reddish-purple
- bleeding from the gums or nose
- blood in urine or stools
- unusually heavy menstrual flow
Causes
- immune thrombocytopenia usually happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, which are cell fragments that help blood clot.
Risk factors
- itp is more common among young women.
- risk appears to be higher in people who have diseases as rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis
- medical history
- complete blood count (cbc)
- platelet count test
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding.
What are the symptoms of immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
easy or excessive bruising, superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as pinpoint-sized reddish-purple, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in urine or stools, unusually heavy menstrual flow
What causes immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
immune thrombocytopenia usually happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, which are cell fragments that help blood clot.
Which medicines are used for immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
immunoglobulin, rho(d)human immunoglobulin
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