Home | | Medicine and surgery: Principles and practice of medicine and surgery | Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura - Clotting disorders

Chapter: Medicine and surgery: Haematology and clinical Immunology

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura - Clotting disorders

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is a fall in platelet count thought to be of immune origin.

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura

 

Definition

 

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is a fall in platelet count thought to be of immune origin.

 

Age

 

Chronic ITP is seen predominantly in adults.

 

Sex

 

> M

 

Aetiology/pathophysiology

 

Chronic ITP may occur with other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and thyroid disease. Platelet associated IgG antibodies are often detectable.

 

Clinical features

 

Patients present with easy bruising, purpura, epistaxis and menorrhagia.

 

Investigations

 

Full blood count and blood film identify the low platelet count, a bone marrow aspirate demonstrates normal or raised megakaryocytes.

 

Management

 

Prednisolone may produce a complete or partial remission. Intravenous immunoglobulin works by blocking the Fc receptors in the spleen. The effect is transient but is useful in severe bleeding and predicts the potential success of splenectomy. Other drugs used include azathioprine, vincristine and danzol. Platelet transfusions are only used in life threatening haemorrhage.

Study Material, Lecturing Notes, Assignment, Reference, Wiki description explanation, brief detail
Medicine and surgery: Haematology and clinical Immunology : Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura - Clotting disorders |


Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant

Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.