Updated: 5 April 2007.
Adult chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (chronic ITP) is an autoimmune disorder in which patients produce antiplatelet autoantibodies and specialized white blood cells that destroy their blood platelets and, in some cases, damage their megakaryocytes (the cells that produce platelets in the bone marrow), causing a decrease in platelet production. This results in a low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia) that may produce bruising or excessive bleeding. The present information has been prepared to help adult patients better understand this condition. However, for specific questions about chronic ITP and recommendations concerning treatment, patients should contact their physicians.
*Please note! All information here is relevant only to adults. The clinical picture and treatment of ITP in children differ and other sources should be sought on this subject, such as the ITP Society of the Children's Blood Foundation.
What's New in Chronic ITP. Describes new information and new web page features.
Definitions of General Terms. Defines some general immunology terms. Reading this section will help you to understand subsequent sections.
Clinical Description of Chronic ITP. Describes the symptoms, signs and laboratory findings in this disorder.
Cause and Pathophysiology. Relates why, how and where platelets are destroyed in ITP.
Antiplatelet Antibody. The available assays for antiplatelet antibody are described and their clinical relevance is discussed.
Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis. Lists other disorders which may be confused with chronic ITP and describes the course and prognosis of chronic ITP.
Patient resources and medical review articles. Opportunities to discuss problems with other patients and to obtain further medical information.
Medical consultants for chronic ITP. Lists the names of consultants with extensive experience in managing chronic ITP.
Standard Treatment of Chronic ITP. Describes the presently accepted forms of therapy used in chronic ITP.
Experimental Treatment of Chronic ITP. Describes experimental treatment approaches applicable to chronic ITP; reviews prelimary results of ongoing studies and provides phone numbers or links to obtain more information about these studies.
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Comments about how this web page can be improved are welcomed. However, no medical recommendations for specific patient problems will be given. Good medical practice requires that these questions be addressed to your private physician.
Ó Robert McMillan MD