Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that causes low numbers of platelets. Platelets are blood cells that help stop bleeding.
When your child’s platelet count is low, it can cause your child to bruise and bleed more easily. Your child might bleed more than normal when hurt or bleed for no reason.
When your child has a cut or injury, platelets come together to form a clot or “plug” to stop the bleeding. If the body does not have enough platelets, a clot cannot form.
A normal platelet count is 150,000 to 400,000 per microliter of blood. Serious bleeding can occur when the platelet count is less than 10,000.
Platelet Count Range | What it Means |
---|---|
150,000 – 450,000 / microliter | Normal platelet count |
50,000 – 100,000 / microliter | Minor risk for bleeding with injury |
Less than 50,000 / microliter | Increased bruising |
Less than 20,000 / microliter | At risk for spontaneous bleeding |
Less than 10,000 / microliter | At risk for serious bleeding |
Platelet counts are given as the number of platelets per microliter (µL) of blood.
This information is meant to be a general guide. Always consult your care team for information about specific test results and what they mean.
There are 2 types of ITP:
ITP is classified by how long your child has had it:
ITP can develop quickly. In most cases, platelet counts return to normal over weeks or months. However, counts can vary for some time.
Other names for ITP include idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, Werlhof disease, and autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
Signs and symptoms of ITP include:
In most cases, the cause of ITP is not known. ITP is not contagious.
Normally, the body makes antibodies to fight an infection. In children with ITP, the body also makes antibodies that fight against the body’s own platelets. This causes the platelets to be destroyed.
ITP often affects healthy children. Sometimes, it may develop after a viral infection or in patients who have problems with their immune system.
ITP is diagnosed based on your child’s medical history, physical exam, and lab tests. Your child's doctor may ask you about any changes in bleeding or bruising, recent illnesses, or medicines your child is taking.
Lab tests may include:
Not all children need treatment for ITP. Many children recover on their own. Your care team may recommend careful monitoring of your child’s blood counts and symptoms to see when and if treatment is needed.
Your child’s doctor may prescribe medicines to help manage ITP.
Medicines for ITP include:
General medicines for bleeding symptoms include:
Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) can help some children with chronic ITP who have low platelets.
Platelet transfusions may be given if there is life-threatening bleeding or before a surgery or a procedure. In a platelet transfusion, donor platelets are given into a vein by IV.
Know what activities to avoid. Children with ITP can do most daily activities. ITP should not stop your child from having fun. However, talk to the care team about activities your child should not do.
When platelet counts are low, your child should avoid contact sports, rough play, and activities that could involve falls or injury to the head or stomach.
Take steps to keep your child safe. Be sure your child wears a seatbelt. Use safety equipment such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads during approved sports or activities.
Alert others of your child’s condition. Your child should tell an adult if they fall or hit their head. Be sure that people who will be with your child know about their medical condition and what to do if an accident occurs.
Do not give your child aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®). These medicines can keep platelets from working properly. If needed, give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for headache, pain, or fever.
Lauren Truong had to sit out from many activities because of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but now she runs cross-country.
Read Lauren's storyMost children with ITP do very well. Watch for signs and symptoms of low platelets or bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if your child has any of these symptoms:
The main risk of ITP is severe bleeding. Very rarely, children with ITP may have serious internal bleeding.
Call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away if your child has any serious injury, especially one that involves a hit to the head or stomach.
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Reviewed: August 2024
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