What are the symptoms of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura?
Normal platelet count is in the range of 150,000 to 450,000. With ITP, the platelet count is less than 100,000. By the time significant bleeding occurs, the child may have a platelet count of less than 10,000. The lower the platelet count, the greater the risk of bleeding. Because platelets help stop bleeding, the symptoms of ITP are related to increased bleeding. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include the following: • purpura – the purple color of the skin after blood has “leaked” under it. A bruise is blood under the skin. Persons with ITP may have large bruises from no known trauma. Bruises can appear at the joints of elbows and knees just from movement. • petechia – tiny red dots under the skin that are a result of very small bleeds. • nosebleeds • bleeding in the mouth and/or in and around the gums • blood in the vomit, urine, or stool • bleeding in the head – this is the most dangerous symptom of ITP. Any head trauma that occurs when there
