Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Clinical Features

Onset of chronic ITP is insidious Characterized by: –mucocutaneous bleeding and a low, often very low, platelet count, with otherwise normal peripheral blood cells and smear Rarely, life-threatening bleeding, including in the central nervous system, (intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhages) can occur (<5,000 per mm 3 ) The amount and severity of symptoms is related to the severity of the decrease in the platelet count Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine 17th ed. Robbins Basic Pathology 8th ed. Wikipedia Encyclopedia Divisions of Nursing and Hematology( James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center) Mayoclinic

Purpura - easy or excessive bruising Mucocutaneous bleeding –Petechiae (superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots, usually on lower legs –Spontaneous bleeding from gums, oral mucosa, nose (epistaxis), GI tract –Any of which may occur if the platelet count is below 20,000 per mm 3 Prolonged bleeding from cuts Blood in urine or stools Unusually heavy menstrual flows Profuse bleeding during surgery Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine 17th ed. Robbins Basic Pathology 8th ed. Wikipedia Encyclopedia Divisions of Nursing and Hematology( James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center) Mayoclinic

A very low count (<10,000 per mm 3 ) may result in the formation of hematomas (collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin) in the mouth or on other mucous membranes Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine 17th ed. Robbins Basic Pathology 8th ed. Wikipedia Encyclopedia Divisions of Nursing and Hematology( James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center) Mayoclinic

Two types of ITP Acute (temporary or short-term) ITP: –generally lasts less than 6 months –mainly occurs in children, both boys and girls, and is the most common type of ITP –often occurs after an infection caused by a virus Chronic (long-lasting) ITP: –lasts 6 months or longer and mostly affects adults –some teenagers and children can get this type of ITP –affects women 2 to 3 times more often than men Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine 17th ed. Robbins Basic Pathology 8th ed. Wikipedia Encyclopedia Divisions of Nursing and Hematology( James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center) Mayoclinic

Any kind of bleeding that is hard to stop could be a sign of ITP A low number of platelets doesn't cause pain, fatigue (tiredness), problems concentrating, or any other symptoms Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine 17th ed. Robbins Basic Pathology 8th ed. Wikipedia Encyclopedia Divisions of Nursing and Hematology( James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center) Mayoclinic