blood disorders
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Introduction
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytes) that occurs in a person who does not have another disorder that affects platelets. In ITP, the immune system produces antibodies against a person's own platelets and destroys them. People may have tiny purple spots on their skin (petechiae) and bleed easily. Diagnosis is with blood tests to measure the number of platelets. Corticosteroids or other drugs are given to block the destruction of platelets. Some people benefit from drugs that increase platelet production. In adults, doctors sometimes remove the person's spleen. (See also Overview of Platelet Disorders and Platelets are cells that are made in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream and help How Blood Clots . The blood usually contains about 140,000 to 440,000 platelets per microliter (140 to 440 × 10 Immune thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which Antibodies form and destroy the body's platelets. Why the antibodies form is not known; however, in children, ITP often occurs after a viral infection. Although the bone marrow may increase platelet production to compensate for the destruction, usually the supply cannot keep up with the demand. Sometimes the antibody that is destroying the platelets also attacks the bone marrow and reduces the production of platelets. In adults, ITP is usually long lasting (chronic). In children, ITP often resolves on its own. 