Page 2 - AITP AutoImmune Thrombocytopenia
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https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/202158‐workup
The workup for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) starts with a complete blood cell (CBC) count.
The hallmark of ITP is isolated thrombocytopenia; anemia and/or neutropenia may indicate other
diseases
On peripheral blood smear, the morphology of red blood cells (RBCs) and leukocytes is normal. The
morphology of platelets is typically normal, with varying numbers of large platelets.
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology‐and‐oncology/thrombocytopenia‐and‐
platelet‐dysfunction/immune‐thrombocytopenia‐itp
"Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by thrombocytopenia not associated
with a systemic disease. Typically, it is chronic in adults, but it is usually acute and self‐limited in
children. Spleen size is normal in the absence of another underlying condition. Diagnosis requires that
other disorders be excluded through selective tests. Treatment includes corticosteroids, splenectomy,
immunosuppressants, thrombopoietin receptor agonist drugs, or the spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor
fostamatinib. For life‐threatening bleeding, platelet transfusions, IV corticosteroids, IV anti‐D immune
globulin, or IV immune globulin may be used individually or in combination."
"The trigger in adults is unknown, although in some countries (eg, Japan, Italy), ITP has been associated
with Helicobacter pylori infection, and treatment of the infection has been followed by remission of the
ITP. "
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/circulatory‐system/hemostatic‐disorders/platelet‐disorders
"Primary Immune‐mediated Thrombocytopenia:
This condition (also called idiopathic thrombocytopenia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is
characterized by immune‐mediated destruction of either circulating platelets or, less commonly,
marrow megakaryocytes. It has been seen in dogs, horses, and rarely cats. Clinical signs include
petechiae of the gingivae or skin and ecchymosis, melena, or epistaxis. Platelet concentration is usually
<50,000/μL and often <10,000/μL at the time of diagnosis. Evaluation of megakaryocytes (by bone
marrow aspiration) helps determine whether circulating platelets or marrow megakaryocytes are
targeted by antibody. A test for platelet factor 3 released from damaged platelets has been unreliable or
not readily available commercially. A megakaryocyte immunofluorescence assay that detects antibodies
on megakaryocytes has been done, but an adequate bone marrow aspiration sample must be obtained.