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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder in which you do not have enough platelets. Platelets are the cells in your blood that help you form clots. When your blood does not clot properly, you can bruise easily or experience excessive or unexpected bleeding.
Fortunately, there are numerous options for treating ITP, and you can find them all at Valley.
Our hematologists (doctors who specialize in blood disorders) know how to distinguish ITP from other conditions. They also have the expertise it takes to improve your platelet count, your symptoms, and your quality of life.
ITP Symptoms and Causes
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is known by several names, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura and immune thrombocytopenia.
Most people develop ITP because their immune system starts attacking their platelets. ITP can appear after a viral infection. ITP can also occur if you have a medical condition that causes low platelets, such as leukemia or HIV.
In mild cases, you might not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bruising more easily and more often than normal
- Frequent or heavy nosebleeds
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Hematomas (very large bruises that occur when blood pools under the skin)
- Petechia (tiny, rash-like red or purple dots, usually on the lower legs)
- Purpura (large red or purple spots on the skin caused by leaking blood vessels)
- Unexplained blood in your stool or urine
Sometimes, ITP disappears on its own or goes away after treatment. In other cases, it is a chronic condition that requires lifelong care.
ITP Diagnosis at Valley
We understand it can be frightening to have unusual bruising and bleeding. Our hematologists are here to pinpoint what’s causing your symptoms and get them under control.
To confirm whether you have ITP, your evaluation will include the following:
- A thorough medical history: We will discuss what symptoms you are experiencing and how long you have had them. We will also ask about your personal and family history of medical conditions that cause low platelets.
- A physical examination: We will check your skin for petechiae and purpura and look for signs of bleeding under your skin.
- Blood tests: Tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) will measure your platelet level. They also help us rule out other disorders.
- Bone marrow biopsy: Sometimes it is necessary to perform a bone marrow biopsy to be certain there is no disorder of the bone marrow causing the low platelets.
ITP Treatment at Valley
Valley’s hematologists are skilled at determining which ITP treatments will work best for you.
Hematologists will base this decision on several medical factors. They will consider how long you may need treatment and how low your platelet count is.
They will also weigh personal factors. These include your ability to tolerate certain side effects and how often you will need treatment.
Your ITP Treatment Options
We offer a wide range of nonsurgical and surgical ITP treatments, including:
- Corticosteroids: Steroid medicines such as prednisone help block the antibodies (special proteins) that destroy platelets.
- Immune globulin: This intravenous medicine can increase your platelet count relatively quickly. It is often used to treat uncontrollable bleeding or to boost your platelet levels before surgery.
- Bone marrow stimulants: These medications help your body produce more platelets.
- Immunotherapy: These IV medicines help calm your immune system so it stops attacking your platelets.
- Splenectomy: This is the surgical removal of the spleen (an organ that helps control platelet levels in your body). For some people, a splenectomy is the best way to control their platelet count. Since the spleen is part of the immune system, a splenectomy is often used only in selected patients as it can increase the risk of infection.
If your low platelet count is related to another medical condition, we will work closely with other providers involved in your care. Together, we will treat your underlying condition while getting your platelet levels back to normal.
Why Choose Valley for ITP Care?
Expert care, close to home: At Valley, we provide safe and effective ITP treatments right in your community, ensuring your care is both convenient and stress-free. With a team of expert hematologists and a standard of care that rivals leading medical centers, we deliver high-quality treatment without the hassle of long or challenging travel.
Focused attention: Our hematology team offers the medical expertise you need — and the guidance and support you deserve. When you turn to us for ITP care, you will be treated with warmth and respect. We take the time to listen to your concerns and make sure you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
Helping you live well with ITP: If you need long-term treatment for ITP, we will work to ensure you have the best possible quality of life. We will determine which treatments offer the most benefit with the fewest side effects and we will teach you how to reduce your bleeding risk so you can live your life without fear.
Research-driven care: Our board-certified hematologists are up to date with new research findings and follow national guidelines related to ITP and other blood disorders. As our patient, you also have access to the most promising new treatments. These include a new class of medicines recently approved to treat ITP — and others currently available through clinical trials.
Our hematology team offers the medical expertise you need — and the guidance and support you deserve. When you turn to us for ITP care, you will be treated with warmth and respect. We take the time to listen to your concerns and make sure you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
