Knowra Immune thrombocytopenic purpura Immune thrombocytopenic purpura Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder in which immune-mediated platelet destruction causes a low platelet count and increases bleeding risk. It may be newly diagnosed, persistent, or chronic.
Antiplatelet antibodies : Antibodies that bind platelet surface proteins and can promote platelet clearance or impair platelet function. In many ITP cases, these antibodies mark platelets for removal by immune cells.
Platelet : A small blood component that forms plugs at injured vessel walls and supports clot formation. ITP selectively reduces these circulating cell fragments.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura : A thrombotic microangiopathy involving platelet-rich clots, low platelets, and red-cell fragmentation. Unlike ITP, it is a medical emergency with microvascular thrombosis and hemolytic anemia.
Complete blood count : A blood test that measures red cells, white cells, and platelets. It confirms thrombocytopenia and checks whether other blood-cell lines are also abnormal.
Mucocutaneous bleeding : Bleeding from skin and mucous membranes, including bruising, nosebleeds, and gum bleeding. This is more typical of platelet disorders than deep-tissue or joint bleeding.
Fc receptor : A cell-surface receptor that binds the constant region of antibodies. Fc receptors on splenic macrophages help remove antibody-coated platelets.
Thrombocytopenia : A platelet count below the reference range for blood. ITP is one immune-mediated cause of this broader laboratory finding.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia : An immune reaction to heparin that activates platelets and can cause thrombosis despite a low count. Both are immune-mediated, but this condition is triggered by heparin and carries high clotting risk.
Peripheral blood smear : A microscope examination of blood cells spread on a glass slide. It helps exclude platelet clumping, abnormal cells, and features of competing diagnoses.
Intracranial hemorrhage : Bleeding within the skull, including bleeding into or around the brain. It is a rare but life-threatening complication that drives urgent assessment of severe bleeding.
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