Dr Rahul Bhargava Haematologist

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

A1: While ITP can be serious, especially if it leads to significant bleeding, most patients manage the condition with appropriate treatment and lead normal lives.

A2: There is no definitive cure for ITP, but many patients achieve remission with treatment. Some may require ongoing therapy to manage the condition.

A3: Patients should avoid activities that increase the risk of injury and bleeding, such as contact sports. It’s also important to avoid medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, which can worsen bleeding.

A4: Yes, children with ITP can live normal lives, especially if the condition is mild. Acute ITP in children often resolves on its own without long-term issues.

What is Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)?

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. In patients with ITP, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, leading to a higher risk of bleeding and bruising. This condition can occur in both adults and children, and it ranges from mild to severe cases.

Causes of ITP

Causes: The exact cause of ITP remains unknown, but it is believed to involve the immune system mistakenly attacking platelets. Potential triggers include:

  • Viral Infections: Some patients develop ITP following a viral illness.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk.
  • Medications: Certain drugs, such as antibiotics and antiepileptics, may trigger ITP in susceptible individuals.

Types of ITP

ITP can be classified into two main types based on its duration:

  • Acute ITP: Most commonly seen in children, acute ITP usually occurs suddenly after a viral infection and resolves within six months without treatment.

Chronic ITP: This type persists for more than six months and is more common in adults. It may require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms.

Symptoms of ITP

The symptoms of ITP vary depending on the severity of the platelet deficiency. Common symptoms include:

  • Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
  • Superficial bleeding into the skin, often seen as pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae)
  • Prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • Spontaneous bleeding from the gums or nose
  • Blood in urine or stools
  • Unusually heavy menstrual flow in women

In severe cases, patients may experience internal bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis of ITP

Diagnosing ITP involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells in your blood.
  2. Blood Smear: A blood smear is examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities in platelets and other blood cells.
  3. Bone Marrow Examination: In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be recommended to rule out other conditions that can cause low platelet counts.

Dr. Rahul Bhargava ensures a thorough and accurate diagnosis, leveraging his extensive experience in hematology.

Treatment Options for ITP

Treatment for ITP aims to increase platelet count and reduce the risk of bleeding. The approach varies depending on the severity of the condition:

  1. Medications:

    • Corticosteroids: These are often the first line of treatment to suppress the immune system and increase platelet counts.
    • Immunoglobulins (IVIg): IVIg therapy can temporarily increase platelet count in severe cases.
    • Rituximab: This medication helps reduce the immune system’s attack on platelets.
    • Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists: Drugs like eltrombopag and romiplostim stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
  2. Surgery:

    • Splenectomy: In some cases, removing the spleen may be necessary if other treatments fail to increase platelet counts.
  3. Lifestyle and Supportive Care:

    • Patients may be advised to avoid contact sports and certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding.

Cost of Treatment and Stay in India

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