Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Question 1

what is immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)?

Answer 1

usually results from development of an autoantibody directed against a structural platelet antigen
- these antiplatelet antibodies lead to increased platelet destruction, usually in the spleen, and inhibition of platelet production and release from megakaryocytes

Question 2

what are the symptoms of ITP?

Answer 2

• often asymptomatic
• petechiae
• purpura +/- ecchymoses
• mucosal bleeding
• menorrhagia
• fatigue
• cognitive dysfunction

Question 3

what are the investigations for ITP?

Answer 3

• FBC
• blood film
• immature platelet fraction (IPF)
• ? bone marrow biopsy

Question 4

what is the management of ITP?

Answer 4

• oral corticosteroids
• IVIG
• IV anti-D Immune globulin
• ? splenectomy
• TPO-RA
• rituximab
• fostamatinib