overview
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disorder that can result in easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. Bleeding results from abnormally low levels of platelets – the cells that help blood to clot.
Formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, ITP can cause purple bruises as well as tiny reddish-purple spots that look like a rash. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) Treatment in Hyderabad
Children can develop ITP after a viral infection and usually recover completely without treatment. In adults, the disorder is often long-term.
symptoms
- Petechiae on the leg and abdomen
- Petechiae Open the popup dialog
- Immune thrombocytopenia may not have any signs or symptoms. When they do occur, they can include:
- Easy or excessive bruising
- Superficial bleeding in the skin that appears as reddish-purple spots (petechiae) that look like a rash, usually on the lower legs
- Bleeding from the gums or nose
- Blood in your urine or stool
The reasons
Immune thrombocytopenia usually occurs when your immune system accidentally attacks and destroys platelets, which are fragments of cells that help blood to clot. In adults, it can be caused by infection with HIV, hepatitis, or H. pylori – the types of bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. In most children with ITP, the disorder follows a viral illness such as mumps or the flu.
Risk factors
ITP is more common in young women. The risk seems to be higher in people who also have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) Treatment in Hyderabad
Complications
A rare complication of immune thrombocytopenia is bleeding in the brain, which can be fatal.
If you are pregnant and have very low platelet counts or are bleeding, there is an increased risk of heavy bleeding during childbirth. Your doctor may suggest treatment to keep platelet count stable, taking into account the effects on your baby. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) Treatment in Hyderabad
