Platelet Disorders – Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
For most children and adults, ITP is not a serious condition. Acute ITP in children often goes away on its own within a few weeks or months and does not return. When it does not go away on its own, treatment is required.
Chronic ITP varies from person to person and can last for many years. Even people who have serious types of chronic ITP can live for decades. Most people who have chronic ITP can stop treatment at some point and maintain a healthy platelet count.
In mild cases, you may not need any treatment, and your provider will monitor your condition to make sure that your platelet count does not become too low. If you need treatment, your treatment plan may include medicines and procedures. If your ITP was caused by an infection, treating the infection may help increase your platelet count and lower your risk of bleeding problems.
Medicines
Medicines often are used as the first treatment for both children and adults.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and dexamethasone, are commonly used to treat ITP. They suppress the immune system, which helps increase your platelet count. However, steroids have many side effects, especially when used for a long time. Some people get worse when treatment ends.
Other medicines used to raise platelet counts include:
- Eltrombopag, romiplostim, and avatrombopag, which help the body make more platelets. They are taken by mouth.
- Immunoglobulin, which is given through an
(IV) needle into your bloodstream - Rituximab, which helps prevent the spleen from destroying platelets. It is also given by IV.
- Fostamatinib, which helps prevent platelets from being destroyed. It is used when other treatments haven’t worked and is taken by mouth.
Removal of your spleen
Doctors can surgically remove your spleen if necessary. The spleen is an organ in your upper left abdomen. It makes antibodies that help fight infections. In ITP, these antibodies destroy platelets by mistake.
Removing your spleen may raise your risk of infections. Before you have the surgery, your healthcare provider may give you antibiotics and vaccines to help prevent infections. Your provider will explain what steps you can take to help avoid infections and what symptoms to watch for.
Platelet transfusions
Platelet transfusions may be given to stop or prevent bleeding in some types of thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction.
For a platelet transfusion, donor platelets from a blood bank are infused into your bloodstream. This increases your platelet count for a short time.
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