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Immune Thrombocytopenia + You
Advocating for ITP patients since 2002

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a blood disorder that may lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding because of the body's low platelet count.

The first nationwide telemedicine
ITP consult service

Diagnosing ITP

  • Diagnosing ITP be a confusing process because there is no diagnostic test to prove the condition.

  • ITP means “anybody with low platelet count” who has no bone marrow dysfunction or spleen enlargement.

  • Bone marrow biopsy is usually not needed to diagnose ITP.

  • ITP is different for each patient. 

  • Platelet transfusions that are not successful are evidence of ITP.

Common issues with ITP care

  • Most heme/onc physicians focus more on cancer than on ITP and thus only follow a handful of ITP patients.

  • Each ITP patient is different, so using an algorithm and a single approach does not work well for most patients.

  • Acute ITP (i.e., newly diagnosed ITP) is challenging, and inpatient health care providers have the experience and ability to treat ITP patients.

  • There is a variable appreciation and understanding of the adverse effects of long-term steroid use.

Treating Acute ITP

  • A patient is admitted to the hospital if platelet count is below 20,000 per mcL.

  • We keep patients in the hospital until there is a trend of improvement, which sometimes means several days or more than a week in the hospital.

  • The main treatment is steroid pulse, which we try to stop administering after 6 weeks.

  • Rituxan is considered after 3-7 days of steroids

  • IVIG is required only if there is severe bleeding or if a procedure is required.

  • Romiplostim may be used in the first week

  • Splenectomy is only performed as a last resort.

Treating Chronic ITP

  • The patient's doctor works with them to determine which treatments and platelet count targets are best for them.

  • A target platelet count above 50,000 mcL is the common standard, but platelet count above 30,000 mcL is a safe standard for most people.

  • Oral medications or weekly injections may be necessary.

  • Splenectomy is considered after a year of exploring other options.

  • We try to avoid administering steroids.

  • We try to keep patients out of the hospital.

What ITPDoctor.com offers

  • We see you online from the comfort of your home.

  • We see you frequently, if needed, to help guide you.

  • We assess your personal situation and help you understand your condition.

  • We guide you through challenging treatment decisions.

  • We explain the ITP guidelines so you understand your options.

  • We work with your other doctors to help them manage your case

Ready to tackle ITP?

How it works:

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