In the blood film, platelets of variable size and thrombocytopenia are often distinct.Abstract:
Thrombocytopenia is caused by anti-platelet autoantibodies or immune complexes.
Clinical picture:
The acute form usually occurs in children following a viral infection. Heavy bleeding is rare. In over 90% of cases the thrombocytopenia disappears within weeks.
The chronic form is found most often in young adult women (ratio of women: men = 3: 1). The disease begins slowly. Even if the platelets fall under 10 x 109/L, fatal bleeding is rare. Symptoms are usually limited to generalized petechiae and easy bruising. Therapy consists primarily of corticosteroids. Splenectomy is indicated in cases resistant to steroid therapy. Chronic ITP occurs idiopathically or secondarily in the case of lymphoproliferative syndromes and connective tissue diseases.
Hematology:
In the blood film, platelets of variable size and thrombocytopenia are often distinct.
Bone marrow:
Increased megakaryocytopoiesis is found in the bone marrow.