With fewer than 200,000 cases in the U.S. per year1, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare, autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks its platelets—i.e. the cells that help blood clot. ITP is known for purple bruises and/or tiny red and purple dots that appear on the skin that look like a rash.
ITP is more common among young women, people over 60, and in those who have other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Those with an infection like HIV or hepatitis can also be more susceptible to ITP. Children can also have ITP, though it usually occurs directly following a virus such as the mumps or the flu. Children most often have the acute version of ITP (<12 months) while adults tend to have chronic ITP. There is evidence to suggest that ITP could also be a factor for the development of some other diseases.2
Signs and Symptoms
Though ITP may not have any symptoms at all, these symptoms may occur:3
Easy bruising
Petechiae—bleeding into the skin that looks like a rash made of tiny reddish-purple spots, mostly on the lower legs
Purpura—bleeding into the skin that's larger than petechiae
Nosebleeds or bleeding in the gums
Blood in urine or stools
Abnormally heavy menstrual flow
It’s important to note that bleeding that doesn’t stop is a medical emergency. Also, those with ITP shouldn’t take drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen as these can increase bleeding.
Treatment Options
Whether it be a mild case or more severe, those with ITP need regular platelet checks. Though children with acute ITP typically improve without treatment, most adults will eventually need treatment. First lines of treatment can include steroids as well as an infusion of immune globulin (IG). IG can treat serious bleeding by increasing blood count quickly. Drugs may also be prescribed that increase platelets as well as surgery to remove the spleen.
Helpful Resources
The Platelet Disorder Support Association provides support, education, and assistance programs for patients and their families and/or caretakers. Some of these resources include:
How BioMatrix Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ITP, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Organizations like the Platelet Disorder Support Association mentioned above can provide a wealth of information and support as well as connect you to others in the community who have experienced the same diagnosis. In addition, your specialty pharmacy can offer individualized support to help manage treatment.
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy helps manage the individual needs of patients requiring IG therapy. Knowledgeable pharmacists and care coordination staff guide each patient through the potential medication side effects and, working with the prescribing physician, help manage treatment to reduce the prevalence and severity of symptoms.
The BioMatrix clinical team includes compassionate nurses who have extensive training and experience with rare diseases, infusion therapies, and complex medical conditions. Our nurses work together with patients, caregivers, pharmacists, and prescribers to coordinate the optimal site of care, conduct nursing interventions, and provide patient education.
Learn more about our individualized specialty pharmacy services for patients with ITP and other rare, and ultra-rare diseases.
Insurance Appeal Letter Sample & Template
Have you been denied insurance coverage for much needed treatment? Use this appeal letter template as a guide to help you or a loved one appeal insurance claim denials.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. All information, content, and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Please consult a physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here or on our website.
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References
Michel M. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura: epidemiology and implications for patients. Eur J Haematol Suppl. 2009;82(s71):3-7. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0609.2008.01206.x
Aboud N, Depré F, Salama A. Is Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia Itself the Primary Disease in the Presence of Second Diseases Data from a Long-Term Observation. Transfus Med Hemother. 2017;44(1):23-28. doi:10.1159/000449038
Mayo Clinic. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/symptoms-causes/syc-20352325
