Name of the Condition

• Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
• Also known as Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Summary

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a low platelet count, leading to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. The condition results from the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying platelets, which are essential for normal blood clotting.

Causes

ITP is primarily an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system targets its own platelets. The exact cause is often unknown, but it may be triggered by infections, certain medications, or other immune disorders.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in young women and children.
• Recent viral infections, such as mumps or the flu.
• Certain medications that affect the immune system.
• Other autoimmune diseases, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

• Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
• Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae)
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts
• Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
• Blood in urine or stools
• Unusually heavy menstrual flow

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check platelet levels.
• Blood smear to assess platelets under a microscope.
• Additional tests to rule out other conditions and assess immune system function.

Treatment Options

• Corticosteroids: Help increase platelet count by dampening the immune response.
• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): Can temporarily increase platelet count.
• Rituximab: A medication that helps by reducing immune system activity.
• Splenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen, which helps reduce platelet destruction.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

The prognosis varies; some people experience remission, while others may have chronic ITP. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are important to monitor platelet levels and adjust treatment as necessary.

Complications

• Severe bleeding can occur in rare cases, leading to life-threatening situations.
• Long-term use of steroids can cause side effects, such as bone thinning and increased infection risk.

Lifestyle & Prevention

While there is no definitive prevention for ITP, managing triggers like infections and medications can help. Maintaining a strong immune system through a healthy diet and lifestyle is beneficial.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Severe or persistent bleeding.

• Symptoms of serious bleeding, such as blood in urine or stools, severe headaches, or visual changes.

  Additional Resources

• American Society of Hematology (ASH): hematology.org
• Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA): pdsa.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Verify that the low platelet count is due to an autoimmune cause, not secondary to another condition.
• Avoid confusion with other thrombocytopenia codes that are not immune-mediated. Ensure diagnosis documentation clearly specifies "immune" or "idiopathic."