Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an immune disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot normally. This condition is now more commonly referred to as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The body’s immune system is a specialised system of cells and chemicals that fight infections. Normally, the immune system recognises ‘self’ and doesn’t attack tissues or organs of the body. Some types of viral infections trigger ITP. For reasons unknown, these infections prompt the person’s lymph tissues and spleen to make antibodies that attack the platelets in their blood. Antibodies that attack the body are called autoantibodies.
The normal level of platelets in the blood is between 150,000 and 400,000 per mL of blood. A person with ITP may have a platelet count of 20 000 or lower.
In most people with mild ITP, there are no symptoms and they will feel perfectly well. However, if the platelet count drops very low, they may experience an increase in bruising or bleeding. Because platelets help stop bleeding, the symptoms of ITP are related to increased bleeding.
ITP is again two types, Acute and Chronic. Acute ITP can be managed with time limiting treatment. But Chronic ITP may requires long standing medication.
It can be diagnosed with few simple blood investigations like complete blood picture (CBC), peripheral smear and others. Sometimes a bone marrow examination is also helpful in diagnosing ITP.
Steroids. It helps to prevent bleeding by reducing the rate of platelet destruction. Steroids, if effective, will result in an increase in platelet counts seen within 2 to 3 weeks.
Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG). IVGG is a protein that contains many antibodies and also slows the destruction of platelets. IVGG shows results within 24 to 48 hours.