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The Curious Bag
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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) refers to a condition that causes low platelet counts. Low platelet counts prevent blood from clotting. Symptoms of ITP include nosebleeds, bruising easily and abnormally heavy menstruation.
Treatment
Kids with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura don't typically need treatment as the condition usually goes away on its own. For adults with ITP, doctors typically prescribe Prednisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of Prednisone varies depending on the individual. When Prednisone fails to treat ITP, surgery can be done.
Surgery
In surgery doctors remove the patient's spleen. This helps to increase production of platelets by 50 percent, according to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health.
Other Treatments
Other ITP treatment options, besides Prednisone and surgery, include Danazol (an oral medication), filtering antibodies into the bloodstream, and injections of high-dose gamma globulin, proteins that help fight infection.
Warning
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and warafin if you have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. These drugs interfere with platelets and can cause bleeding.
Source:
Medline Plus: Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
More Information:
National Institute of Health: How is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treated?
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