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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
(ITP) in Adults
Overview
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is a condition that causes low platelets. Platelets are small cells that
circulate in the blood that are responsible for preventing bleeding and bruising. Patients with low platelets are at risk of bruising and rarely, serious bleeding.
What causes ITP?
We do not exactly know what causes ITP. In children we think ITP occurs after a viral infection when the immune
system become over active. We do not think this is always the case with ITP. In adult patients, the increase in bruising and bleeding is usually slow in onset (in children it usually comes on very suddenly after a viral infection). How common is ITP?
ITP in adults is uncommon; it occurs in approximately 1 in every 16,000 adults per year. This equals about 1500 -
2000 cases of ITP in adult patients each year in Victoria. Many of these cases occur in females between 20 - 40 What are the main problems with having ITP?
Platelets are small cells that stop bleeding and bruising. The normal level of platelets in the blood is 150 000 - 400
000 per ml of blood. These small cells become very sticky when there is a cut or there is a bruise and stop the rest of the blood cells leaking; the platelets form a plug stopping further bleeding. If a patient has low platelets then they are at risk of increasing bruising or bleeding. Generally this is not a major problem unless the platelets are less than 30 000 per ml of blood.
How high is the risk of bruising and bleeding?
Most patients with ITP experience only a mild increase in bruising. Some patients may develop small pin point spots
of bleeding on the skin called petechiae. Other patients may get more extensive bruising and sometimes bleeding involving the lining of the mouth and nose (mucosal bleeding). Rarely patients may have bleeding in the bowel. The most serious complication of ITP is bleeding into the brain. The risk of bleeding into the brain is very low.
Does ITP get better?
Although many cases of ITP in adult patients do not get better, the majority of cases do not need any treatment; one
study involving 150 adult patients monitored over 10 years showed 93% of patients had an "adequate" platelet count of greater than 30 000 within 2 years from diagnosis; the vast majority of these patients achieved this platelet count What is the treatment for ITP?
Treatment is generally only recommended when there is more significant bleeding; often bleeding from the
mouth or nose. This is always assessed on an individual basis and will need to be discussed with your doctor. The treatment available is known to increase the platelet count BUT does not alter the underlying condition. Clinical and laboratory trained haematologists providing comprehensive laboratory investigation and clinical management for patients with haematological disorders.
www.melbournehaematology.com.au 2012 Melbourne Haematology The most common treatments are1. Prednisolone - this is a steroid medication that is thought to act by slowing down the immune system. Treatment in adult patients is often for a couple of weeks (up to four weeks) days only. Most children tolerate prednisolone very well but side effects include increased appetite, sometimes sleep can be a bit disturbed and some children can experience some irritability. If prednisolone is used for a longtime (many weeks at a time), thinning of the bones may occur.
2. IVIG - this is a blood product consisting of concentrated antibodies. The antibodies are thought to work by tricking the patient's immune system. IVIG has to be given by an intravenous infusion (through a drip) and takes a few hours. Patients need to be admitted to hospital for the day for this to take place. Side effects are uncommon but include feeling like having had the "flu". This usually lasts for a day or two only.
3. Splenectomy - this is a surgical procedure where the spleen is removed. The spleen is part of the immune system and is thought to be the organ involved in "removing" the platelets from the blood stream. Splenectomy is usually done only after the above treatments have been shown not to work and the patient is still having major problems with bruising and bleeding. It is important to have special vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to a splenectomy. Patients may also be advised to have daily antibiotics after a splenectomy to reduce the incidence of infection.
What else do I need to do?
Regular blood tests and review with your doctor is generally all that is required - remember most patients with ITP
get better; it may just take a bit longer in some patients. There is a support group for patients with ITP available at Resources used to produce this information sheet.
BCSH General Haematology Taskforce "Guidelines on the investigation and management of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura in adults, children and in pregnancy". BJH 2003 574 - 596 FURTHER QUESTIONS?
The information presented in this fact sheet is intended For additional information about blood disorders and their treatment, or to contact one of our specialist Patients should seek further advice and information haematologists, visit the Melbourne Haematology website: about ITP in adults and their individual condition from their treating haematologist or doctor.
Clinical and laboratory trained haematologists providing comprehensive laboratory investigation and clinical management for patients with haematological disorders.
www.melbournehaematology.com.au 2012 Melbourne Haematology

Source: http://www.melbournehaematology.com.au/pdfs/factsheets/melbourne-haematology-itp-adults.pdf