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Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

What is Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?

ITP is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can result in:

Easy bruising
Bleeding gums
Internal bleeding

What Does "Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura" Mean?

ITP is sometimes called by its older name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. This means:

Idiopathic: The cause is unknown.
Thrombocytopenia: A decreased number of platelets in the blood.
Purpura: Refers to the purple discoloring of the skin, as with a bruise.

The word "immune" more accurately describes that ITP is an immunologic disease, where the body destroys its own platelets. There are two types of ITP: acute thrombocytopenic purpura and chronic thrombocytopenic purpura. Find out more about these different types of ITP.

ITP in Children: Preventing Bleeding

If you are a parent of a child with the disorder, it is important to be aware of how to prevent injuries and bleeding:

Safe environment: For the young child, make the environment as safe as possible. Padding a crib, wearing helmets and providing protective clothing are necessary when platelet counts are low.
Restrict certain activities: You may need to restrict activities such as contact sports, riding bicycles and rough play.
Avoid certain medications: Do not give medications that contain aspirin, as aspirin may interfere with the body's ability to control bleeding.
Talk to your doctor: It is important to be in communication with your child's doctor to discuss other limitations that may be necessary to prevent injuries.

Prognosis for Child with ITP

We do not know the cause ITP, and there is no known cure. However, the prognosis for a child with ITP is very good. Usually, the body stops making the antibodies that are attacking the platelets, and the disorder resolves on its own. The goal of treatment is to keep the child's platelets in a safe range until the body corrects the problem. Learn more about research into the causes of ITP.

Overall, prevention of serious bleeding, such as head injuries, is the most significant factor in prognosis. Providing a safe environment, prompt medical attention and continued medical care are all necessary for a long-term, healthy prognosis.

Symptoms of ITP

One of the symptoms of ITP, especially in children, is the appearance of large bruises on the skin. Learn more about symptoms of ITP.

Diagnosing ITP

We often use a blood test to help diagnose ITP. Sometimes, a bone marrow aspiration is necessary. Learn more about ITP diagnosis at Stanford.

Treating ITP

Sometimes treatment is not necessary. We monitor the condition closely to see if the disorder corrects on its own. When treatment is necessary, the two main treatment options are steroids and intravenous gamma globulin. Find out more about our approach to ITP treatment.