Sunday, February 27, 2011

About Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. Persons with the disease have too few platelets in the blood. ITP is sometimes called immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

CAUSES, INCIDENCE, AND RISK FACTORS
ITP occurs when certain immune system cells produce antibodies against platelets. Platelets help your blood clot by clumping together to plug small holes in damaged blood vessels.

The antibodies attach to the platelets. The spleen destroys the platelets that carry antibodies.

In children, the disease sometimes follows a viral infection. In adults, it is more often a chronic( long-term ) disease and can occur after a viral infection, with use of certain drugs, during pregnancy, or as part of an immune disorder.

ITP affects women more frequently than men, and is more common in children than adults. The disease affects boys and girls equally.

SYMPTOMS
  • Abnormally heavy menstruation
  • Bleeding into the skin causes a characteristic skin rash that look liked pinpoint red spots ( petechial rash )
  • Easy bruising
  • Nosebleed or bleeding in the mouth

EXPECTATIONS ( prognosis )

With treatment, the chance of remission ( a symptom-free period ) is good. Rarely, ITP may become a long-term condition in adults and reappear, even after a symptom-free period.

COMPLICATIONS

Sudden and severe loss of blood from the digestive tract may occur.Bleeding into the brain may also occur.

PREVENTION

The causes and risk factors are unknown, except in children when it may be related to a viral infection. Prevention methods are unknown.

This article is one of my friend help me search one...She is a nurse..thank you so much!

ITP....please go away from me....