Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a condition characterized by a decreased number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) in the body, causing a tendency to bleed. The form of bleeding that appears can be purpura, which is a discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to small blood vessel bleeding (bruising). Or it could be in the form of petechiae, namely red spots due to bleeding in the skin.

Bleeding occurs because the body’s immune system attacks platelets, so the platelet count decreases (low). This condition can happen to anyone, both adults and children. Children aged 2–5 are quite susceptible to ITP. Usually occurs after a viral infection.

Symptoms

Some signs of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura  (ITP) include:

  • bruising (ecchymosis), purpuric bleeding or petechiae
  • gum bleeding
  • signs of intracranial bleeding, namely bleeding due to abnormally increased pressure on the brain, headaches, visual disturbances, decreased consciousness, and so on.

Reason

The cause of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura  (ITP) is the destruction of platelets by immune or immune cells. There are several theories that explain the activity of immune cells that attack platelets in the body, namely:

  • The body’s immune cells are ‘confused’ to distinguish between the body’s own cells and pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. ITP often appears after a person has an infection.
  • The body suffers from oxidative stress due to free radicals, which trigger changes in the DNA of immune cells, and then attack the body’s own cells.
  • There is damage to the body’s immune cells.
  • Changes in the immune system due to disorders of the immune system in the digestive tract – for example due to changes in the condition of intestinal bacteria due to changes in diet, consumption of antibiotics, or pathogen attack.

Diagnosis

Many other diseases are characterized by thrombocytopenia. In the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), it is important to exclude other causes of thrombocytopenia.

If ITP occurs, thrombocytopenia will be found without other abnormalities – for example, pale skin, lymphadenopathy, enlarged liver and spleen. The doctor will take anamnesis or dig up information from the patient to ask about various symptoms that are felt.

On physical examination, purpura or petechiae may be found. While blood tests will only find thrombocytopenia (the number and shape of other blood cells is normal). If you still don’t get a clear picture, a bone marrow biopsy may be done.

Treatment

Without specific treatment, most patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) will have their platelet counts return to normal. At that time normal activities can be resumed, generally within 4-6 weeks.

Some of the treatment options that can be done in cases of ITP are:

  • administration of corticosteroids.
  • administration of immunoglobulins.
  • administration of some types of chemotherapy.
  • platelet transfusion.
  • splenectomy method or spleen surgery. This may be considered if the platelet level does not reach safe levels (approximately 30,000/µL) with drug therapy for 6 months.
  • the thrombopoietin receptor agonist method, used in adults who do not respond to conventional medication and surgery.

Prevention

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a condition that can just happen and is difficult to prevent with special measures.

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