Overview
Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia also known as chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder where there is decreased number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help in blood clotting and stop bleeding.Signs and Symptoms
Easy bruising, Petechiae or purpura, Gum bleeding, Nose bleeding, Menorrhagia, Blood in stool or urineCommon Causes
Autoimmune destruction of platelets in the bloodRisk Factors
Age young and old, Presence of other autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, Viral infections such as Epstein barr virus or Hepatitis infection, Certain medications, Women of child-bearing ageInvestigation Techniques
Full blood count, Peripheral blood smear, Urinalysis, Occult blood test, Antiplatelet autoantibodies, Bone marrow test, CT scan of brainTreatment and Prevention
Prednisolone, Intravenous immunoglobulins, Splenectomy, Platelet transfusion, Rituximab