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What is Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)?

ITP is an autoimmune condition that causes a low platelet count. Platelets are a type of blood cell needed to form a blood clot after a cut or injury to prevent bleeding and bruising. In ITP, your body’s immune system mistakenly targets platelets and starts to break them down. Fewer platelets are also made by the body. This results in lower numbers of circulating platelets.¹

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is more common in females than in males and affects people of all ages.¹

Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) affects 6:100,000 adults in the United Kingdom.¹

There are two types of ITP:

Primary ITP: where no underlying cause or trigger is identified.² This counts for 80% of all cases.³

Secondary ITP: occurs because of another condition or trigger.²

What are the symptoms?

Petechiae or purpura: small dots from bleeding under the skin that may look like a rash. Larger patches are known as purpura.

Fatigue: reduced energy can cause patients to feel exhausted.

Bleeding gums: gums may bleed, especially during teeth brushing.

Nosebleeds: frequent or heavy nosebleeds without obvious reason.

Blood in urine or stools: passing blood in urine or stools, and gastrointestinal bleeding can also be a symptom.

Easy bruising: bruises appear after little to no trauma, often in unusual locations.

Mouth blisters: blood blisters that form in and around the mouth, known as oral purpura.

Heavy periods: unusually heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) or periods that last longer than seven days.⁴

Diagnosis and treatment

Acute or newly diagnosed ITP: within the first three months, when the condition develops suddenly.

Persistent ITP: when platelet count remains low for three months or more.

Chronic ITP: when platelet countremains low for 12 months or more.¹

There are no specific tests for ITP. It is suspected when blood tests show a low platelet count, but other causes can be ruled out with additional tests. Further investigations, such as an abdominal ultrasound or bone marrow biopsy, may be needed.⁹

If treatment is needed, a short course of steroids may be used to stop the immune system from destroying platelets.

Other treatment methods include: splenectomy, immunosuppressants or other medications.⁵

References

References

[1] kch.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pl-1091.1-immune-thrombocytopenia-itp.pdf
[2] bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/138
[3] my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5726-immune-thrombocytopenia
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/symptoms-causes/syc-20352325
[5] ouh.nhs.uk/media/pgvakylu/75636pitp.pdf

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This infographic has been produced in collaboration with the International ITP Alliance.

Articles and infographics are for information only and do not form the basis of medical advice. Individuals should always seek the guidance of their medical team before making changes to their treatment.

This article was sponsored by argenx.
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