Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
ITP (also known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or immune thrombocytopenia) is a rare bleeding disorder associated with having a decreased number of platelets which is known as thrombocytopenia.
People with ITP have platelets that are coated with autoantibodies that shorten their lifespan and prevent them from being effective in the blood. The bone marrow tries to compensate for the lack of functional platelets by producing more platelets but sometimes the bone marrow cannot keep up with the high turn-over of platelets which results in thrombocytopenia. Because of their low platelets, people with ITP often have bleeding symptoms such as:
- Spontaneous bruising
- Bleeding from the gums or nose
- Tiny red or purple dots on the skin (petechiae)
- Heavy menstrual periods.
More severe bleeding symptoms include blood blisters on the inside of the mouth, and blood in the urine or stool.
Treatments for ITP vary depending on the platelet count, severity of symptoms, age, and general health.
For more detailed information about ITP, you can view and download our fact sheet here
The Platelet Disorder Support Association (USA) also has some useful information about ITP.
