Arthur Nathaniel Billings blood disorder treatment 2022? What is ITP? Immune thrombocytopenia (formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) is a medical term for an autoimmune disorder (immune) causing a shortage of platelets (thrombocytopenia) and bruising (purpura). What is the cause of ITP? ITP is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakes the platelets as being foreign and destroys them. It can follow a virus, vaccination or certain medications, but for most people the cause is unknown.
Arthur Nathaniel Billings on ITP blood disorder treatments : What is the incidence of ITP? In the USA about 3,000 to 4,000 of the population have ITP at any one time, and it is not more prevalent in any particular racial or ethnic group. What are the symptoms of ITP? Some people with ITP, especially those with a count over 50, may have no symptoms at all, and their ITP only noticed during a routine blood test. Even people with very low counts, can sometimes have few symptoms.
What are platelets? Platelets are one of the three types of blood cell, along with red and white blood cells. Platelets are small and sticky and their job is to prevent bruising and stop bleeding after an injury. Platelets, like red and white blood cells, are formed in the bone marrow. A rough idea of how many platelets are circulating in the bloodstream (platelet count) can be made from a sample of blood. The normal platelet count is between 150 and 400 x 109/L. In many cases of ITP, the platelet count is less than 30 x 109/l at presentation. A low platelet count is called “thrombocytopenia”.
The purple color of the skin after blood has “leaked” under it. A bruise is blood under the skin. Persons with ITP may have large bruises from no known injury. Bruises can appear at the joints of elbows and knees just from movement. Tiny red dots under the skin that are a result of very small bleeds. Nosebleeds, Bleeding in the mouth and/or in and around the gums, Heavy menstrual periods, Blood in the vomit, urine, or stool Bleeding in the head. This is the most dangerous symptom of ITP. Any head injury that occurs when there are not enough platelets to stop the bleeding can be life threatening. Find extra information on Arthur Billings.
What is immune thrombocytopenic purpura? Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. This disease is caused by an immune reaction against one’s own platelets. It has also been called autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.