Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
What is ITP?
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP is a blood disorder in which the number of platelets in the blood are often decreased to low levels. This is dangerous because people depend on platelets to help stop bleeding. Platelets act like plugs in stopping the bleeding process. When a person has ITP, they may not have enough platelets to come together and plug up the source of bleeding. This can cause the following symptoms:
- Easy bruising
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding from small blood vessels that cause round red / purple pinpoint spots on the skin called petechiae
- Bleeding gums and small red/purple pinpoint spots in the mouth
- Blood in urine and bowel movements
- Internal bleeding (very rare)
Who is affected by ITP?
ITP can occur in both children and adults.
- Acute ITP affects children and is the most common form of the disease. Acute ITP occurs suddenly, sometimes following a virus, and the symptoms usually disappear in less than six months. This form of ITP does not typically recur.
- Chronic ITP can happen at any age and tends to last longer than Acute ITP. ITP is considered to be chronic when the low platelet levels last longer than six months. Chronic ITP affects more adults than children, and more females than males. This form of ITP can recur.
What causes ITP?
The human body's immune system fights off infection. With ITP, the immune system mistakenly makes antibodies that destroy the patient's own blood platelets. This attack causes the platelets to be low in a person with ITP. Doctors do not know what causes the body to destroy its own platelets; therefore the actual cause of ITP is unknown.
How is ITP Diagnosed?
Blood and urine tests, along with a complete physical exam, are used to diagnose ITP. Special attention is given to the platelets within the blood. In some cases, doctors may decide to do a bone marrow biopsy to diagnose ITP.
Treatment for ITP
Treatment for ITP can vary depending on the patient's age, medical history, and severity of the disease. Not all children with ITP require treatment. In these cases, monitoring platelet counts and avoiding activities that may cause injury or bleeding is the treatment of choice. This allows the body time to correct the disorder.
Treatment options may include:
- Immune globulin (IVIG). IVIG slows down the destruction of platelets. Common side effects may include fever, chills, headache, light-headedness, flushing, itching, and a change in blood pressure.
- Anti-D IgG or WinRho". WinRho" helps to protect platelets and is only an option for patients with an Rh-positive blood type. Common side effects may include headache, chills and fever.
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) decrease the amount of platelets being destroyed which helps to prevent bleeding. Common side effects may include weight gain, high blood pressure, acne, upset stomach and irritability.
- Rituximab (Rituxan"). Rituxan" reduces the destruction of platelets. Common side effects may include fever, chills, weakness, nausea and headaches.
- Splenectomy. The location of platelet destruction is in the spleen. As a result, the spleen may need to be removed. This treatment option occurs more frequently in older children with Chronic ITP.
Living with ITP
People who have ITP need to avoid contact sports, rough play and medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Children may need safe environments such as padded cribs and helmets to protect their head. Avoiding salty foods is important if the patient is taking steroids.
Call the doctor if the patient:
- Has a significant increase in bruises or petechiae rash
- Has bleeding that will not stop within five minutes
- Complains of a headache
- Vomits blood or has blood in the urine or stool
- Bumps his/her head or abdomen
- Has bleeding in the mouth when brushing his/her teeth
- Is having difficulty taking or refusing to take medications prescribed
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Revised 6/06, 3/07
