Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding.
Is ITP a haematological disease?
Autoimmune destruction of circulating blood cells in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is often seen in autoimmune diseases and lymhoid malignancies. Erythrocytes or platelets that are recognized by autoantibodies are rapidly phagocytosed by macrophages.
Is immune thrombocytopenic purpura the same as immune thrombocytopenia?
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). ITP can cause excessive bruising and bleeding.
Does ITP weaken immune system?
A: The specific cause of ITP is unknown, but it is known that ITP causes the body’s immune system to destroy healthy platelets that can lead to easy or excessive bruising or bleeding.
What is the life expectancy of someone with ITP?
Predicted 5-year mortality rates ranged from 2.2% for patients younger than 40 years to 47.8% for those older than 60 years. A 30-year-old woman remaining thrombocytopenic due to ITP was predicted to lose 20.4 years (14.9 quality-adjusted life years) of her potential life expectancy.
Can ITP be cured?
There’s no cure for ITP. However, this doesn’t mean that ITP is fatal. Mortality directly related to ITP is rare, per a study published in the American Journal of Hematology . Your life expectancy depends on your treatment plan and reduced risks for life-threatening complications, such as a brain hemorrhage.
What diseases are caused by low platelets?
Thrombocytopenia Causes
- Have a blood disorder that affects your bone marrow, called aplastic anemia.
- Have cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, which damages your bone marrow.
- Have a platelet-lowering disease like Wiskott-Aldrich or May-Hegglin syndromes.
- Have a virus such as chickenpox, mumps, rubella, HIV, or Epstein-Barr.
How is ITP diagnosed?
Diagnostic Procedures for ITP
Includes a special blood test called an “anti-platelet antibody test.” Careful review of medications. Bone marrow aspiration: This test examines the platelet production and can rule out any abnormal cells the marrow may be producing that could lower platelet counts.
Can ITP turn into leukemia?
ITP does not turn into a more serious blood disorder, like leukemia or aplastic anemia. It is usually not a sign that their child will later develop other autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or “lupus”).
What is the best treatment for ITP?
Corticosteroids have been used as a first-line treatment for ITP for more than 30 years, according to available research from 2016. They can be given orally or intravenously. Two corticosteroids that may be prescribed for ITP are high-dose dexamethasone and oral prednisone (Rayos).
Can ITP be caused by stress?
Research suggests that physical or psychological stress and the resultant oxidative stress in the body may also trigger episodes of ITP,7 exacerbate fatigue15 and prolong duration of the platelet disorder in children.
Does ITP ever go away?
ITP may happen suddenly and go away in about 6 months. Or it may be ongoing (chronic) and last for years. Treatment options include medicines that can reduce platelet destruction or help the body make more platelets. In some cases, surgery to remove the spleen is needed.
What foods should you avoid with ITP?
Eat Less…
- Canned and frozen foods and leftovers. The nutritional value of food deteriorates with time.
- White flour, white rice and processed foods. …
- Hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated or trans-fats. …
- Sugar. …
- Dairy products. …
- Meat. …
- Alcoholic beverages. …
- Foods that can interfere with blood clotting.
How does ITP affect your life?
In addition to serious physical bleeding-related manifestations of the disease, ITP is associated with debilitating fatigue (reported in up to 39% of adults with ITP), as well as impaired quality of life across domains of emotional, functional, and reproductive health, and work and social life.
What is the alarming level of platelets?
When a platelet count is below 50,000, bleeding is more serious if you’re cut or bruised. If the platelet count falls below 10,000 to 20,000 per microliter, spontaneous bleeding may occur and is considered a life-threatening risk.
What is the reason for low platelets?
Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, are a common side effect of blood cancers and their treatment. They can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, heavy alcohol consumption, or certain medications. When you have low platelets, you may have frequent or excessive bleeding.
What is the most common cause of low platelet count?
One of the most common causes of low platelets is a condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Who is at risk for ITP?
Risk factors
ITP is more common among young women. The risk appears to be higher in people who also have diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome.
Does removing the spleen cure ITP?
While a splenectomy may raise the platelet count, it does not eliminate ITP since the antibody-coated platelets remain in circulation.
Does ITP cause joint pain?
Symptoms of ITP include joint pain, tingling, and warmth. Petechiae and purpura may be the only clinical signs, although epistaxis (nosebleeds), gingival bleeding, hematomas, and increased menstrual flow can occur as well. You may also see acrocyanosis, coldness and discoloration of the distal extremities.
Can you survive with low platelets?
Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10,000 platelets per microliter. Though rare, severe thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding into the brain, which can be fatal.
Can you live with low platelets?
Thrombocytopenia is often short-lived and many people with a low platelet count don’t need any treatment at all. However, if your platelet count is very low, or you are at particular risk of bleeding, you might need treatment. This might include: changes to the medicines you are taking.
Can a person live with low platelets?
A low platelet count may also be called thrombocytopenia. This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on its underlying cause. For some, the symptoms can include severe bleeding and are possibly fatal if they’re not treated.