Understanding ITP
ITP, also known as primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, is a platelet disorder that develops when the blood does not clot as normal due to low platelets. Platelets, a type of cell in the blood cells, stick together to form a clot, that seals a wound. A low platelet count can interfere with stopping bleeding. ITP can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Acute ITP is the most common type of ITP, usually lasts less than 12 months, and mainly affects children. Chronic ITP lasts 12 months or longer and mostly affects adults. Chronic ITP affects women two to three times more often than men.
Symptoms of ITP
Common symptoms of immune thrombocytopenic purpura include purpura (bleeding under your skin that can cause red, purple, or brownish-yellow spots), petechiae (small, flat red spots under the skin), hematoma (a lump of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin), nosebleeds, bleeding from gums, blood in urine or stool, heavy menstrual bleeding, and extreme fatigue.
Diagnosing ITP
Diagnosing immune thrombocytopenic purpura includes a thorough review of a patient’s medical history and physical examination. Some factors that can increase the risk of ITP include certain medications, vaccines, and other immune conditions, such as lupus, and immunodeficiencies. A complete blood count (CBC) which measures the platelet count as well as the number of other blood cells, and a blood smear to examine the platelets may be ordered. Normally, your immune system helps your body fight off infections and diseases. In ITP, your immune system attacks and destroys your body’s platelets by mistake. You may also make fewer platelets. Why this happens is not known.
Treating ITP
The treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura is determined by the platelet count and severity of symptoms. In some cases, no therapy is needed. In most cases, drugs that alter the immune system’s attack on the platelet are prescribed. ITP is commonly treated with corticosteroids but may also be treated with other medications that help the body make more platelets, immune globulin administered into the blood stream intravenously (IVIG), and medications that help prevent destruction of platelets. Other treatments options include removal of the spleen and platelet transfusions.
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Last reviewed 12/02/2025
