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What is Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) and How is it Treated?
Published: Aug 22, 2024
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a blood disorder that causes a low platelet count. This article explains what ITP is and how doctors treat it.
What is ITP?
ITP is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets in the blood. Platelets are tiny cell fragments that help blood clot. When platelet levels get too low, it can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. ITP can affect both children and adults, though it's more common in adults over 60. The exact cause is often unknown.
How is ITP Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ITP involves blood tests to check platelet counts and rule out other causes of low platelets. There's no single test that can definitively diagnose ITP. Doctors often need to exclude other conditions before confirming an ITP diagnosis. This process may involve additional blood work, physical exams, and sometimes a bone marrow biopsy.
Treatment Options
The goal of ITP treatment is to raise platelet counts to a safe level and prevent serious bleeding, not necessarily to achieve a normal count. For mild cases, doctors may simply monitor the condition without treatment. More severe cases may require medications like corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to boost platelet production. In some cases, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) or other treatments may be recommended.
Living with ITP
Many people with ITP can lead normal lives with proper management. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team and follow their advice. This may include avoiding certain medications that increase bleeding risk, being cautious with physical activities, and getting regular blood tests. Some patients may need ongoing treatment, while others may go into remission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely, severe cases can cause dangerous bleeding.
There's no cure, but treatments can manage symptoms effectively.
It varies; some cases resolve in months, others persist for years.
It can, but most women with ITP have successful pregnancies.
Healthy habits may support overall health, but won't cure ITP.
The Bottom Line
While ITP can be challenging, most people can manage it successfully with proper care and treatment.
References
- Neunert C, et al. American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia. Blood Adv. 2019;3(23):3829-3866.
- Provan D, et al. Updated international consensus report on the investigation and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Blood Adv. 2019;3(22):3780-3817.
- Rodeghiero F, et al. Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children: report from an international working group. Blood. 2009;113(11):2386-2393.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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