Who is at risk of developing thrombocytopenia?
People who are at highest risk for thrombocytopenia are those affected by one of the conditions or factors discussed in "What Causes Thrombocytopenia?" This includes people who: Have certain types of cancer, aplastic anemia, or autoimmune diseases. Are exposed to certain toxic chemicals.
What is the most causes of acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura?
What causes idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura? In ITP, the immune system is stimulated to attack your body's own platelets. Most often this is a result of antibody production against platelets. In a small number of cases, a type of white blood cell called T-cells will directly attack platelets.
Is ITP more common in children or adults?
Acute ITP is the most common form of the disorder. Chronic thrombocytopenic purpura — The onset of the disorder can happen at any age, and the symptoms can last a minimum of six months to several years. Adults have this form more often than children, but it does affect adolescents.
What is a thrombocytopenic patient at risk of?
People with severe thrombocytopenia are at risk for significant internal and external blood loss, or hemorrhage. Internal bleeding into the digestive tract or brain (intercranial hemorrhage) can be life-threatening. Having a splenectomy makes you more susceptible to infections.
What is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
What is the most common cause of low platelet count in toddlers?
Acute ITP is the most common form of thrombocytopenia in children, and it usually resolves on its own within 6 months . Less common causes of thrombocytopenia include medications, infections, and a genetic mutation.
What causes ITP in adults?
Immune thrombocytopenia usually happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, which are cell fragments that help blood clot. In adults, this may be triggered by infection with HIV , hepatitis or H. pylori — the type of bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
How common is ITP in adults?
The incidence (how many people are diagnosed each year) of adult ITP in the USA is roughly estimated to be 3.3 per 100,000/year. The prevalence (how many have ITP at any time) is 9.5 per 100,000.
Who does immune thrombocytopenia affect?
It mainly occurs in children — both boys and girls — and is the most common type of ITP. Chronic ITP lasts 6 months or longer and mostly affects adults. However, some teens and children do get this type of ITP. Chronic ITP affects women two to three times more often than it affects men.
What is the most common cause of mortality in patients with ITP?
These patients had a long-term mortality risk equal to the general population. Twelve of 134 patients (9%), all with severe thrombocytopenia, had refractory disease and suffered a mortality risk of 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.7-10.0). Bleeding and infection equally contributed to the death of these patients.
What causes purpura?
They happen when small blood vessels leak blood under your skin's surface. Purpura isn't a medical condition but a sign of another condition causing the bleeding. Purpura can also be caused by drug interactions, vitamin deficiencies or congenital disorders. There are many different types of purpura.
What infections cause low platelets?
Infections with protozoa, bacteria and viruses can cause thrombocytopenia with or without disseminated intravascular coagulation. Commonly dengue, malaria, scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections, meningococci, leptospira and certain viral infections present as fever with thrombocytopenia.
How do you confirm idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura?
Diagnostic Procedures for ITP Includes a special blood test called an "anti-platelet antibody test." Careful review of medications. Bone marrow aspiration: This test examines the platelet production and can rule out any abnormal cells the marrow may be producing that could lower platelet counts.
Is ITP a form of leukemia?
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is not cancer, although some confuse it with blood cancer (leukemia). If you have a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), your doctor will first rule out conditions, such as ITP, before thinking of blood cancer. Cancer treatments can also result in ITP.