IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA: A HAEMATOLOGICAL DISORDER

Abstract

Immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoantibody-mediated condition characterised by an unusually low level of platelets in the bloodstream. When thrombopoiesis was not occurring quickly enough to counteract the increased rate of platelet destruction, rapid antibody-mediated platelet destruction was initially thought to be the cause of ITP. However, recent research has concentrated on the creation of therapies that boost platelet production as it has emerged that insufficient or inadequate platelet production is also a factor in low platelet counts. ITP can be acute or chronic and affects both children and adults. Because the clinical manifestation of ITP can differ greatly from patient to patient, a thorough assessment of the signs and symptoms must be done in order to manage and treat ITP effectively. Due to the lack of data on clinical and laboratory characteristics, the diagnostic method for ITP now relies heavily on a process of exclusion. Obtaining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical examination are common diagnostic techniques used on both children and adults. Patients with suspected ITP have standard laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count and a peripheral blood smear. With various levels of success, a number of specialised laboratory assays have been created. There is still room to streamline and enhance the diagnostic procedure for detecting ITP.