What is Immune thrombocytopenia?

an immune-mediated reduction in the platelet count.

What is the common presentation of Immune thrombocytopenia?

• may be detected incidentally following routine bloods
• symptomatic patients may present with
  • petechiae, purpura
  • bleeding (e.g. epistaxis)
  • catastrophic bleeding (e.g. intracranial) is not a common presentation

What patient groups is Immune thrombocytopenia most common?

more common in older females

What is the management of Immune thrombocytopenia?

• first-line treatment for ITP is oral prednisolone
• pooled normal human immunoglobulin (IVIG) may also be used
  • it raises the platelet count quicker than steroids, therefore may be used if active bleeding or an urgent invasive procedure is required

What is the pathophysiology of Immune thrombocytopenia?

Antibodies are directed against the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa or Ib-V-IX complex.

When might splenectomy be considered in Immune thrombocytopenia?

platelets < 30 after 3 months of steroid therapy