What is immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets, which results in internal bleeding. There are two forms of immune thrombocytopenic purpura: • acute thrombocytopenic purpura Most commonly seen in young children, the symptoms may follow a virus infection. The symptoms usually disappear within a year, and the disorder usually does not recur. • chronic thrombocytopenic purpura The onset of the disorder can happen at any age, and symptoms can last six months or longer. Adults have this form more often than children, and females have it two to three times more often than males. What causes immune thrombocytopenic purpura? Immune thrombocytopenic purpura may be due to: • medications – including over-the-counter medications • infection • pregnancy • immune disorders However, about half of all cases are classified as idiopathic, which means there is no known cause. What are the symptoms of immune thrombocytopenic purpur
