Which medication may benefit a patient with 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. Show
ITP is a fairly common blood disorder that both children and adults can develop. There are two forms of ITP:
What causes idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura?In ITP, the immune system is stimulated to attack your body's own platelets. Most often this is a result of antibody production against platelets. In a small number of cases, a type of white blood cell called T-cells will directly attack platelets. This immune system error may be a result of any of the following:
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, you 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 symptoms of ITP may look like other medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis. How is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosed?In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, you may have these tests:
Historically, a bone marrow aspiration was required to make a diagnosis of ITP. It may not be absolutely necessary in the face of a positive antiplatelet antibody test, but it is still commonly done to look at the production of platelets and to rule out any abnormal cells the marrow may be producing that could lower platelet counts. A bone marrow aspiration is necessary for a diagnosis if the antiplatelet antibody testing is negative. How is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura treated?Specific treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura will be determined by your health care provider based on:
When treatment is necessary, the two most common forms of immediate treatment are steroids and intravenous gamma globulin: What is the best treatment for ITP?In adults with ITP lasting ≥3 months who are corticosteroid-dependent or have no response to corticosteroids, the ASH guidelines suggest either splenectomy or a TPO-RA. In adults who are going to be treated with aTPO-RA, either eltrombopag or romiplostim is suggested by the ASH guidelines.
Can you take ibuprofen with immune thrombocytopenic purpura?If you have ITP, you should avoid medicines that increase risks for bleeding. Some of these include warfarin, aspirin, or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). You should also limit alcohol. It can decrease the ability of your blood to clot.
Which medical treatment is ITP first choice treatment?The standard initial treatment for ITP is oral corticosteroids to increase platelet counts. Intravenous immunoglobulin or anti-D immunoglobulin can also increase platelet counts and are particularly useful for stimulating rapid platelet increases before planned procedures.
What drugs can cause thrombocytopenic purpura?Causes. Furosemide.. Gold, used to treat arthritis.. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Penicillin.. Quinidine.. Quinine.. Ranitidine.. Sulfonamides.. |