ITP Flashcards
What is a trigger for ITP?
Viral infection
What is a serious complication of ITP?
Upper GI bleeding, intracranial bleeding
What are three treatments in the first line management of ITP?
IV immunoglobulins, platelet transfusions, steroids
Which conditions are associated with ITP?
HIV, hep C, SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome
What is the pathophysiology of ITP?
In patient with ITP, antibodies (most commonly IgG) are inappropriately produced targeted to glycoproteins on the surface of the platelets and megakaryocytes.
This causes them to be recognized by cells such as macrophages in the spleen and Kuppfer cells in the liver, with binding of the phagocytic Fcγ receptors to the antibodies resulting in subsequent endocytosis and phagocytic breakdown.
Additionally, this can result in T-cell mediated destruction of platelets. Antibodies to megakaryocytes inhibit their maturation and can further reduce platelet numbers.