In the past, we have covered bleeding the bleeding disorder hemophilia in great detail. However, it is not the only one out there affecting individuals on a daily basis. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is yet another.
What is ITP?
ITP, also known as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, is a blood clotting disorder that leads to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. Unlike hemophilia, which is caused by the human body’s deficiency of one or more “clotting agent,” ITP is directly caused by a low level of platelets, which are what the agents stick to in order to form a clot.
How Do I Know I’m Affected?
There are a few symptoms that are typical of ITP. These often include:
1. Easy or excessive bruising, which is also referred to as “purpura”
2. Superficial bleeding that resembled a rash, often found on the legs
3. Spontaneous bleeding of the gums and/or nose
4. Unusually heavy menstrual flows
5. Profuse bleeding during surgery
What Are the Treatment Options?
Unlike hemophilia, 80 percent of ITP cases in children run their course without the need for serious medical treatment. This recovery usually happens within six to eight months of diagnosis, with more chronic cases taking a few years. In cases where treatment is necessary, there is a myriad of options to consider. Those most common treatments include:
1. Corticosteroids, common anti-inflammatory drugs, are usually the first line of defense against ITP. A common setback to this method of treatment in adults is a relapse of ITP upon discontinuing use.
2. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIg), which is typically used to treat hemophilia, is also a treatment option and is often used to prepare ITP patients prior to a surgery.
3. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists make up a new group of medications approved to treat ITP, namely romiplostim (Nplate®) and eltrombopag (Promacta®). These drugs help the body’s bone marrow to produce more platelets.
Overall, the outlook for individuals suffering from ITP is promising, given recent medical advances and treatment options. As with any bleeding disorder, taking precautions and surrounding yourself with the right medical team is key to treatment, and in the case of ITP, a successful recovery.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic – Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/DS00844
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library – Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec11/ch133/ch133d.html