Immune thrombocytopenia purpura or ITP is an acquired bleeding disorder. It is the destruction of platelets by the immune system.  ITP is commonly seen in patients with other autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Normal platelet count is between 150-450K/ml.  If platelets become less than 30K patients can have easy bruising or bleeding. Treatment for ITP depends on platelet count. If the platelets are greater than 30K treatment is with observation alone. If the platelets become less than 30K, steroids +/- IVIG are given. These are medications to inhibit the immune system from destroying platelets. Second and third line treatment consist of Rituximab, splenectomy and medications to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets. Platelets are mainly cleared from the blood by the spleen therefore removing it can increase the platelet count in some cases. The bone marrow is where all blood cells are made. Nplate/Romiplostim and Promacta/Eltrombopag cause the bone marrow to create more platelets. Patients with ITP should schedule an appointment with a Hematologist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. There are various other causes for low platelets. Cases of ITP have been reported in patients that received covid-19 vaccine but true causal relationship is unknown.

Visit below websites/resources for additional patient information:

1. What is ITP? Platelet Disorder Support Association 
2. https://www.ouhsc.edu/platelets
3. Patient education: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (The Basics)