Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura

Question 0

Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is a disorder of _______.

Answer 0

decreased platelet numbers

Question 1

Define idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura

Answer 1

idiopathic = unknown cause; thrombocyto = platelet; purpura = purple spotting — one level of a three-level system gauging micro-bleeds of the skin

Question 2

Which form of ITP, acute or chronic, is usually self-resolving?

Answer 2

Acute, typically seen in children. Chronic form persists in adults and must be continually treated.

Question 3

What are the three levels of micro-bleeds?

Answer 3

petechia (spots ~1-2 mm), purpura (spots ~ 0.3-1cm), ecchymoses (>1cm)

Question 4

What are the clinical features of ITP?

Answer 4

easy bleeding w/ increased bleed time, micro-bleeds in capillaries, and easy bruising and nosebleeds.

Question 5

Why does ITP exhibit a greatly reduced platelet count?

Answer 5

Decr. production and/or incr. destruction of platelets; latter removed from blood by spleen

Question 6

ITP exhibits a delayed prothrombin consumption; how might this reflect clinically?

Answer 6

prolonged bleed times; prothrombin is slow to become thrombin, which delays conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, which ultimately forms the clot.

Question 7

Why might someone with ITP exhibit bleeding from membranes such as the oral mucosa?

Answer 7

Mucosal linings (and the skin) are easily bruised in ITP

Question 8

Which form of ITP (acute or chronic) is due to autoimmunity?

Answer 8

The chronic form: antibodies to platelets are present

Question 9

How might you treat idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura?

Answer 9

SPLENECTOMY, immunosuppression therapy, or corticosteroids