Immune thrombocytopenia is a disorder characterized by a blood abnormality called thrombocytopenia, which is a shortage of blood cells called platelets that are needed for normal blood clotting.
The genetic cause of immune thrombocytopenia is unclear. This condition occurs when the body's own immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's tissues and organs (autoimmunity). Normally, the immune system produces proteins called antibodies, which attach to specific foreign particles and germs, marking them for destruction. In immune thrombocytopenia, the immune system abnormally destroys platelets and makes fewer platelets than normal. People with immune thrombocytopenia produce antibodies that attack normal platelets. The platelets are destroyed and eliminated from the body, resulting in a shortage of these cells in affected individuals. Some of these antibodies also affect the cells in the bone marrow that produce platelets (known as megakaryocytes), which leads to a decrease in platelet production, further reducing the number of platelets in the blood.
The incidence of immune thrombocytopenia is approximately 4 per 100,000 children and 3 per 100,000 adults. In adults with immune thrombocytopenia, women are affected more often than men.
Immune thrombocytopenia and other autoimmune disorders can run in families, but the inheritance pattern is usually unknown. People with a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling) with immune thrombocytopenia likely have an increased risk of developing the disorder themselves.
James Bussel is a Pediatrics specialist and a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology expert in New York, New York. Bussel has been practicing medicine for over 47 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Immune Thrombocytopenia, Blood Clots, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, and Leukemia. He is licensed to treat patients in New York.
Ming Hou practices in Jinan, China. Hou is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia. They are also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Immune Thrombocytopenia, Purpura, Thrombocytopenia, and Blood Clots.
Nichola Cooper practices in London, United Kingdom. Cooper is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Immune Thrombocytopenia, Purpura, Thrombocytopenia, and Blood Clots.
Published Date: June 01, 2017Published By: National Institutes of Health