Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Question 1

Define Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Answer 1

Primary immune thrombocytopenia purpura (primary ITP) is defined as a heamotological disorder where there is ISOLATED thrombocytopenia (under 100) and NO identifiable cause
Due to immune reaction and destruction of the platelets

Secondary ITP is where there is a clear medical cause-not the focus because its often related to the causing condition
e.g.: HIV, Hep, Immunodeficiencies, drugs, Blood cancers

Question 2

Aetiology and risk factors of Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Answer 2

The definition is that the cause is unclear, but its due to a immune destruction of platelet of unknown origin

Risk factors:
Females 3x male
Possible increasing with age
Children under 10

Question 3

Epidiemology of Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Answer 3

Uncommon-4 in 100 000 in Europe

Question 4

Signs and Sx of Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Answer 4

DIAGNOSIS OF EXCLUSION
Only really signs of bleeding-Purpura, bruising, hemorrhagic bullae (on mucous surfaces)
Tend to be spontaneous bleeds

and need to make sure:
No systematic Sx (FLAWS, etc)
absence of medicine that cause thrombocytopenia
absence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
absence of lymphadenopathy

Question 5

Investigations of Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Answer 5

DIAGNOSIS OF EXCLUSION

FBC-less than 100 platelets
ALL the other cells normal

Blood film-all cells should appear normal

then check other causes-HIV, Helicobacter, Hep, TSH,