Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, A Simple Guide to The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

ITP is low platelets due to autoimmune reaction
The platelets remain low because of the fast removal action
Low platelets can lead to purpura or bleeding
Any loss of blood will affect the process of healing

ITP is diagnosed by a blood test called a full blood count.
This test shows that there are fewer platelets than normal amount
Platelets are made in the bone marrow along with other blood cells.
They stick together to seal small cuts on blood vessel walls like gels

In most cases this will stop the bleeding.
Most children will not need treatment except in severe bruising
The aim of treatment is to increase the number of platelets.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone are the favorites

Other medicines include rituximab and anti-Rh (D) immunoglobulin.
Other treatment is to suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine
If needed, doctors can surgically remove the spleen.
This will result in longer-lasting number of platelets seen

-An original poem by Kenneth Kee

Interesting Tips about the ITP

A Healthy Lifestyle

1. Take a well Balanced Diet

2. Most adults with ITP do not require active treatment, unless they have significant symptoms or need to undergo surgery for any reason, including dental work.

It is important to have adequate platelet levels before surgery in order to minimize the risk of severe bleeding during the operation.

If treatment is needed, then the first treatments that tend to be used in an adult with ITP are usually steroids or IVIg.

Both of these treatments increase the platelet count in about 2 or 3 people in 4.

Usually though, this improvement is only temporary and the platelet numbers return to a low level after a few weeks.

Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) is used more often in adults than in children.

It is more likely to result in a longer-lasting normal number of platelets.

About 2 in 3 people with ITP who have a splenectomy will have a normal long-lasting number of platelets.

3. Keep bones and body strong

Bone marrow produces our blood

Eat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.

Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk.

Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruits

Zinc and other minerals are important to the body

4. Get enough rest and Sleep

Avoid stress and tension

5. Exercise and stay active.

It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2½ hours a week.

One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week.

Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.

6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman.

Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.

Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.

7. Stop or do not begin smoking.

It also interferes with blood supply and healing.

Chapter 1

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura?

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease involving platelets.

In autoimmune disorders the body makes an antibody that damages another part of the body.

In ITP the antibodies are made against platelets.

Once the antibodies have attached to platelets, the platelets do not work so well.

They are also removed more quickly by the spleen because they are abnormal.

Idiopathic means that there is no known underlying cause found.

Thrombocytopenic means not enough platelets.

Purpura is a purple-red rash.

Although the cause of ITP is not clear, it is known to be something to do with the immune system.

Therefore the disease is increasingly being called immune thrombocytopenic purpura - which is still shortened to ITP.

ITP is quite different in children and adults and should be considered separately.