Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood[1]. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding[1].
Mild ITP
People with mild ITP may need nothing more than regular monitoring and platelet checks. Children usually improve without treatment[1].
Severe or chronic ITP
Most adults with ITP will eventually need treatment, as the condition often becomes severe or long term (chronic) [1]. Treatment options may include:
- Medications to increase platelet count: Corticosteroids and intravenous gamma globulin are some of the medications used to treat ITP[1][4]. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are another option[2][8].
- Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy): Splenectomy remains the most effective therapy for corticosteroid-resistant or relapsed ITP patients by removing the major site of platelet destruction[7][8].
- Other medications: Azathioprine, vincristine, vinblastine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin, dapsone, and combination chemotherapy are a few treatment options[3].
- Emergency care: Although rare, severe bleeding can occur with ITP. Emergency care usually includes transfusions of platelet concentrates. Steroids and immune globulin may also be given through a tube in a vein[1].
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, age, overall health, and medical history of the patient[6]. Selecting a treatment program for ITP requires knowledge of current options and consultation with a hematologist[4].
If you think you have ITP, please consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic[1][4]
- NCBI[2]
- NCBI[3]
- Medscape Reference[4]
- American Society of Hematology[5]
- Johns Hopkins Medicine[6]
- Journal of Hematology & Oncology[7]
- Blood – ASH Publications[8]
Citations:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352330
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9057657/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448244/
[4] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/202158-treatment
[5] https://www.hematology.org/-/media/Hematology/Files/Education/Clinicians/Guidelines-Quality/Documents/ASH-ITP-Pocket-Guide-FOR-WEB-1204.pdf
[6] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura
[7] https://jhoonline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13045-023-01401-z
[8] https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/120/5/960/30278/How-I-treat-immune-thrombocytopenia-the-choice
