Itp (immune thrombocytopenic purpura): symptoms, causes, and drugs

Definition

What is that immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura or commonly abbreviated as ITP is an autoimmune platelet disorder that affects the blood clotting process of the sufferer. Sufferers will experience easy bruising or bleeding because the platelets are too low.

Previously, this blood clotting disorder was known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

The term "idiopathic" is used when a disease is not known what causes it. However, along with the development of medical technology, ITP is known to be caused by autoimmune problems. That is why, this condition is now referred to as immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Under normal circumstances, 1 microliter of blood contains 140,000-440,000 platelets or pieces of blood. If the platelet count is less than 50,000 platelets / microliter, this is the first sign of ITP symptoms to appear.

How common is this disease?

ITP is a condition that can happen to everyone, but the most vulnerable are children aged 2-5 years and adults aged 20-50 years. Women have a higher risk than men.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, ITP is a condition that often causes no symptoms. However, common symptoms that appear include:

Easy to experience excessive bleeding or bruising (hematoma)
A skin rash that looks like red spots (petechiae)
Bleeding gums
Defecate accompanied by blood
Menstruation is prolonged
Nosebleed

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You need to see your doctor immediately if you experience severe bleeding and it doesn't stop within 5 minutes. Symptoms that appear in each person can be different. That is why, you must consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment steps.

Cause

What causes immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

The main cause of ITP is the immune system that mistakes platelets as a threat to the body.

Antibodies produced by the immune system attach to platelets, then mark them for destruction. The spleen, which helps the body fight infection, recognizes antibodies and helps remove platelets from your body. As a result, the number of platelets in the body is low.

In medical terms, a low level of platelets in the body is known as thrombocytopenia. This thrombocytopenia can be caused by a variety of things, including ITP which is triggered by a problem with the body's immune system.

In addition, here are some of the conditions that cause ITP:

Viral infections, such as influenza, HIV, or hepatitis
Use of drugs during pregnancy
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Risk factors

What increases your risk of developing this condition?

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing this disease. Risk factors for developing ITP are:

Gender. Women are twice as likely to have ITP as men
Viral infection. Many children develop ITP after being infected with viruses, such as mumps, measles, and even respiratory infections

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What tests are usually done to diagnose this disease?

The doctor will make a diagnosis through medical and physical examinations.

Apart from the physical test, the doctor will also perform several additional tests, such as:

complete blood test
urine test
bone marrow sampling
CT scan of the bone marrow, spleen, and other organs

What are the treatment options for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

ITP is a disease that may not require any treatment. You may just need regular monitoring and a platelet check.

If it occurs in children, this condition usually gets better on its own without treatment. However, adults need treatment because the condition is often severe or long-term (chronic).

1. Medicine for ITP

Certain drugs may inhibit platelet function, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and ginkgo biloba. If you are taking blood thinners, you should consult your doctor before deciding to stop taking them.

In addition to avoiding drugs that might trigger bleeding, the drugs commonly given to treat ITP are:

Steroids, such as prednisone.
Immune globulin injection, which is given if steroids are not effective.
Drugs that can increase platelet production, such as romiplostim (Nplate) and eltrombopag (Promacta).
Rituximab (Rituxan, Truxima) or another medication that helps increase your platelet count by reducing the immune system response that damages your platelets.

2. Operation

If your condition is severe or does not improve despite treatment, your doctor may suggest surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy). This procedure can quickly eliminate the root cause of platelet breakdown in your body and increase your platelet count.

3. Emergency care

Although it is rare, ITP is a condition that can cause heavy bleeding. This condition is treated in a similar way to regular blood donors, namely platelet transfusions. Steroids and immune globulins can also be given through a tube in a vein.

Home remedies

What are the lifestyle changes and home remedies that can be overcome immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

Lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with illness immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP is:

Perform regular re-examination to find out the progress of the disease and your health condition
Follow the doctor's instructions
Limit alcoholic drinks
Choose physical activity that is light and has minimal risk of injury or bleeding.
Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, especially after having the spleen removed.
Pay attention to the warnings on over-the-counter medicines. Medicines that you can get without a doctor's prescription, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) can damage platelet function.

If you have any questions, please discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for you.