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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) - Symptom

Alternative Names

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura; ITP

Symptoms:

Abnormally heavy menstruation
Bleeding into the skin causes a characteristic skin rash that looks like pinpoint red spots (petechial rash)
Easy bruising
Nosebleed or bleeding in the mouth

Signs and tests:

Laboratory tests will be done to see how well your blood clots and to check your platelet count.

A complete blood count (CBC) shows a low number of platelets.
Blood clotting tests (PTT and PT) are normal.
Bleeding time is prolonged.
Platelet associated antibodies may be detected.

A bone marrow aspiration or biopsy appears normal or may show a greater than normal number of cells called megakaryocytes. These cells are an early form of platelets.

Blood cells

Reviewed last on: 3/28/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

McMillan R. Hemorrhagic disorders: abnormalities of platelet and vascular function. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 179.

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