Curriculum · Hematology
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
What it is
Immune thrombocytopenia is an acquired immune-mediated disorder, and it is either primary or secondary. Anti-platelet antibodies bind to the platelet surface, which increases splenic clearance of platelets, and platelet production is impaired at the same time.
Causes and risk
Because ITP may be secondary, symptoms and signs suggesting a secondary cause are looked for. Where the smear shows isolated thrombocytopenia, ITP and DITP are named together with HIV, HCV and H. Pylori, and HIT, DIC and GT are to be considered as well. In children it comes after a viral infection.
How it presents
The presentation is variable: asymptomatic, fatigue, minimal bruising, mucocutanous bleed, or intracranial bleed. In pediatrics it comes after a viral infection and is self limiting.