Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disorder that usually causes excessive bruising and bleeding due to a low level of platelets. This disorder can affect children and adults, though children will usually develop it due to a viral infection. If the patient doesn’t experience symptoms, then treatment won’t be necessary. Symptoms may include easy or excessive bruising, superficial bleeding that cause a rash of reddish-purple spots (petechiae), bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in the urine or stools and an abnormally heavy menstrual cycle. If the condition is mild, then patients may only require routine monitoring and testing. In more severe cases, treatment such as medication and surgery will be required to prevent further damage and control the condition.