Top ITP blood disorder treatment with Arthur Nathaniel Billings? Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. The bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets — the cells that help blood clot. Formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, ITP can cause purple bruises, as well as tiny reddish-purple dots that look like a rash. Children may develop ITP after a viral infection and usually recover fully without treatment. In adults, the disorder is often long term. If you don’t have signs of bleeding and your platelet count isn’t too low, you may not need any treatment. If your symptoms are more severe, treatment may include medications to boost your platelet count or surgery to remove your spleen.
Arthur Nathaniel Billings on blood disorder treatments : What are platelets? There are three types of blood cell which are all formed in the bone marrow; red cells, white cells and platelets. Platelets, which are small and sticky and circulate in the bloodstream provide the inital plug to stop bruising and bleeding after an injury, and stop blood leaking from capilleries. A blood sample is taken to measure the circulating platelets, and in most people there are between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets in every cubic millimetre of blood. However in the USA we simplify this by describing a platelet count of, say, 150 rather than 150,000. Anyone with a count less than 100 would be considered thrombocytopenic (ie. short of platelets).
Treatment and outlook for adults with ITP: In most cases, ITP presenting in adulthood is a chronic condition. The goal of treatment is to maintain a platelet count that is safe while minimising treatment side effects and maintaining a good quality of life. For this reason, treatment is often not required when the platelet count is above 20 × 109/l unless there is a need to cover a period of increased bleeding risk, such as surgery or dental extraction. However, the decision to treat is individualised and will also depend on your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history.
Steroids. Steroids help prevent bleeding by reducing the rate of platelet destruction. Steroids, if effective, will result in an increase in platelet counts seen within 2 to 3 weeks. Side effects may include irritability, stomach irritation, weight gain, high blood pressure, and acne. Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG). Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG) is a protein that contains many antibodies and also slows the destruction of platelets. IVGG works faster than steroids (within 24 to 48 hours). Read extra information on Arthur Nathaniel Billings.
What is immune thrombocytopenic purpura? Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. This disease is caused by an immune reaction against one’s own platelets. It has also been called autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.