Prevention of a Common Cause of Bleeding

     Immune thrombocytopenic purpura, also known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common bleeding condition caused by a decrease in platelets in the blood. Children are more commonly affected than adults. A viral infection may cause the condition. Abnormalities of the immune system may also lead to ITP. Easy bruising can be a sign of the condition. Petechiae, which are small red or purple spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding, commonly occur in persons with ITP. Purpura is a rash of such spots related to the same cause. Nose bleeds and bleeding from the gums also may occur in persons with the condition.

     While children with severe ITP may not be treated since the condition often resolves without treatment, adults with severe ITP typically are treated because it is less common for the condition to go away on its own. Treatment is aimed at preventing major bleeding. This is accomplished by treatments that improve the amount of platelets in the blood. Prednisone is sometimes prescribed to increase the platelet count. If glucocorticoid treatment is not sufficient, removal of the spleen may be considered. Rituximab (Rituxan) is a monoclonal antibody that may be an alternative to surgery, and may be prescribed in combination with glucocorticoid therapy.