Immune Thrombocytopenia Flashcards
1
Q
What is ITP?
A
Antibody production that cause platelet destruction leading to impaired clotting cascade
Can be acute or chronic
2
Q
What are features of acute and chronic ITP?
A
Acute
- in children after a viral infection
- self resolves within 2 months
Chronic
- adults often older women
- can be primary or secondary (HIV, hepatitis, SLE)
3
Q
What are the symptoms?
A
Purpura or petechiae
Epistaxis
Menorrhagia
Mucosal bleeding
4
Q
What investigations are needed?
A
FBC- thrombocytopenia Hepatitis serology ANA- lupus HIV serology To look for underlying cause
5
Q
What is the management?
A
1) oral prednisolone
2) IVIG if need to raise platelet count rapidly
Splenectomy not commonly used anymore
