Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) What is Immune
Thrombocytopenic Purpura? Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
is a platelet disorder in which the body produces antibodies
that bind with platelets that are the small, sticky cells of the
blood that help the blood clot. The platelet-antibody complex is
then destroyed in the spleen or liver. This can occur as a
short-term event or can be chronic. Patients who have low
platelet counts are more likely to have bleeding with trauma or
surgery. Some evidence suggests that ITP is related to an
overactive immune system; however, the cause is not clearly
understood. The condition happens more frequently following
certain viral infections and certain immunizations. It also can
be associated with autoimmune disorders such as lupus. What are
the symptoms of ITP? Generally a child with ITP is otherwise
healthy but has the sudden onset of bruises or small purple
spots called petechiae on his/her skin. Spontaneous bleeding can
occur in the mouth, nose, gastrointestinal