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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura


Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura overview and Definition

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) .

It can cause excessive bruising and bleeding. An usually low level of platelets or thrombocytes in the blood results in ITP. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow, they have stop bleeding by clumping together to form a clot that seals cuts or small tears in blood vessel walls and tissues. If the blood doesn’t have enough platelets, it’s slow to clot.

Internal bleeding or bleeding on or under the skin can result. People with Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura often have many purple bruises called purpura on the skin or mucous membrane inside the mouth. These bruises may also appear as pinpoint sized red or purple dots on the skin called as petechiae. It often look loke a rash.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can occur in both children and adults. There appears to be differences at certain ages between women and men and the development of ITP. At younger ages, ITP may be more common in women. At older ages, it may be more common in men. Children are most likely to develop this condition after a general viral illness. Some specific viruses, such as chickenpox, mumps, and measles, have been linked to ITP as well.


Pathophysiology

Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder in which the patient’s immune system reacts with a platelet autoantigen(s) resulting in thrombocytopenia due to immune-mediated platelet destruction and/or suppression of platelet production. Platelet membrane proteins, for reasons that are unclear, become antigenic and stimulate the immune system to produce autoantibodies and cytotoxic T cells. The initial antigenic response probably occurs in the spleen followed by stimulation of other antibody-producing tissues, particularly the bone marrow. Autoantibodies against platelet glycoprotein(GP) IIb-IIIa and/or GPIb-IX are produced by the majority of ITP patients and can be detected using antigen specific assays. Many patients produce multiple antibodies; this has been attributed to the phenomenon of epitope spreading. Once produced, autoantibody may either bind to platelets, causing their destruction by either phagocytosis or possibly complement activation and lysis, or bind to megakaryocytes, resulting in decreased thrombopoiesis. Evidence for platelet destruction in ITP includes the following: (1) infusion of ITP blood or plasma into normal recipients may result in thrombocytopenia; (2) there is decreased intravascular survival of radiolabeled platelets in most ITP patients; (3) morphologic and in vitro evidence of platelet phagocytosis can be demonstrated; and (4) cytotoxic T cells can induce lysis of autologous platelets. Evidence for suppressed platelet production in ITP includes the following: (1) morphologic studies show megakaryocyte damage in most ITP patients; (2) there is normal or decreased platelet turnover in the majority of patients; (3) in vitro studies show antibody-induced inhibition of megakaryocyte production and maturation; and (4) an increase in the platelet count occurs in many ITP patients receiving treatment with thrombopeitin mimetics. In summary, activation of the immune system by platelet autoantigens in ITP may result in platelet destruction and/or inhibition of platelet production. The importance of each mechanism in the individual patient probably varies.


Clinical signs & symptoms

The most common symptoms of ITP are:

  • bruising easily
  • pinpoint-sized petechiae, often on the lower legs
  • spontaneous nosebleeds
  • bleeding from the gums (for example, during dental work)
  • blood in the urine
  • blood in the stool
  • abnormally heavy menstruation
  • prolonged bleeding from cuts

profuse bleeding during surgery


Differential Diagnosis

  • A complete blood count (CBC):

In which they measures the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood (to measure platelets).

  • Additional blood and urine tests:

The  measurement of  bleeding time and detect possible infections

  • Careful review of the child's medications:

A bone marrow aspiration may be performed to look at your child's production of platelets and to rule out any abnormal cells your child's bone marrow could be producing that could lower platelet counts.


Prevention

Avoid heavy drinking. Alcohol slows the production of the platelets.

Try to avoid contact with the toxic chemicals. Chemicals such as pesticides, arsenic, benzene slow the production of the platelets.

Maintain the healthy lifestyle and seek the medical help any complications arises.


Reference

https://www.healthline.com/health/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura-itp#:~:text=Idiopathic%20thrombocytopenic%20purpura%20is%20an,the%20blood%20results%20in%20ITP.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/symptoms-causes/syc-20352325

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4147825/

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/thrombocytopenia-symptoms-causes-treatments#1