How does idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura develop?
In ITP, the body forms antibodies that destroy blood platelets, which eventually leads to destruction in the spleen. Normally, antibodies are a healthy response to bacteria or viruses. In people with ITP, however, the antibodies attack the body’s own blood platelets. Normal platelet counts are between 150,000 and 450,000. People with ITP may have very low platelet counts, often between than 20,000 and 50,000. The cause of ITP is not known. What are the symptoms of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura? Usually there are no signs or symptoms of ITP until the platelet count becomes quite low. If the platelet count falls to an extremely low level, spontaneous bleeding may occur. This bleeding may occur at any site in the body. Usually it starts as easy bruising and bleeding from the gums. A more severe form is gastrointernal bleeding, which can occur in the vital organs in the stomach area. Intracerebral hemorrhage, or bleeding into the brain, can cause a stroke, although it is very rare. C
