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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 called pinpoint red spots or 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.
Platelet associated antibodies may be detected.

A bone marrow aspiration or biopsy appears normal.

Blood cells

Reviewed last on: 12/12/2008
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California (8/11/2008).

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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