ITP Blood Disorder
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura – ITP Blood Disorder
It is sometimes difficult to understand disorders of the blood especially when it is also difficult to pronounce the name of the disorder. Take this one for instance and break it down by syllable and you have a pretty good grasp of how to pronounce it. Break the disorder down step-by-step and it can be easier to understand the blood disorder, too.
ITP Blood Disorder – Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot in the proper manner. The reason for the difficulty in clotting is that there is a low number of the blood cell called, “platelets”. The platelets in our blood are also called, “thrombocytes”. These thrombocytes are made inside your large bones in the marrow of the bone along with white blood cells and red blood cells. The function of platelets is to clump together when necessary to stop bleeding and seal cuts or other wounds in order to stop the bleeding caused by these injuries or when someone undergoes surgery. The word, idiopathic, means tht the cause of the disorder is not known. Purpura refers to the purple bruises caused by the bleeding just under the skin. A hematoma (swelling) caused by the bleeding is also a hallmark for the disorder.
Individuals with the ITP blood disorder often have these purplish bruises on the skin and even on the mucous membranes of the mouth. They may also see red or purple dots on the skin called, petechiae. These petechiae often appear on the lower legs and can look like a rash. Individuals with ITP also have frequent nosebleeds that bleed for a long time. Women with ITP may complain of heavier than normal periods that contain inch long blood clots. It can also happen that when they have dental work performed, their gums will bleed more so than normal.
The cause of ITP blood disorder is not certain, but one theory is that the immune system which is suppose to fight off infections and diseases attacks and destroys the body’s platelets instead.
Like other blood disorders there are more than one type of ITP. The first type is an acute ITP that is temporary or short-term and the second type of ITP is chronic or long-lasting. The acute ITP can last for 6 months or less and occurs mainly in children of both sexes. It usually appears after a viral infection. The chronic type of ITP lasts longer than 6 months and affects mostly adults affecting more females than males. The treatment for both types of ITP depends on what the platelet blood count is. Mild cases of ITP do not require any treatment.
ITP is usually not life threatening as in most cases the platelet count will return to normal within 6 months. If the ITP does not go away after 6 months, treatment may be necessary. Chronic ITP can last for over 6 months and as long as a couple of years. The majority of the individuals diagnosed with ITP can have platelet counts that return to normal and then can lead normal lives, living for decades.
There is always monitoring of symptoms and platelet counts. Severe cases of ITP may require medication such as Corticosteroids like prednisone. These medications help to raise the platelet count by lowering the immune system. Immune globulin and anti-Rh (D) immunoglobulin are given by needle.
In severe cases the doctor may decide to remove the spleen, or give platelet transfusions. If an infection is present, medication is given to fight the infection. Individuals with ITP blood disorder should not take aspirin or ibuprofen as they are common over-the-counter medications that have the side effect of reducing platelet function and can increase bleeding.
