Smaller or larger reddish spots on the skin are usually known as eczema or other skin diseases. But if it turns out that the problem is not dermatological, it is worth having the platelet count checked, because the complaint is ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) can also refer to bleeding. More on the topic from dr. We asked Zsuzsanna Szélessy, chief hematologist at the Thrombosis Center.
What is ITP?
ITP is a lack of platelets that occurs due to immunological reasons, as a result of which blood coagulation cannot take place properly, thus creating a hemosensitive state. It is caused by a malfunction of the immune system, as it produces antibodies that cause phagocytic cells to remove platelets. As a result, the number of platelets decreases to such an extent that it is no longer sufficient for clumping and sticking to the inside of the blood vessels, which is essential for the initiation of blood clotting. Interesting, yesy while in childhood it is usually preceded by infection and fever, and the condition can even spontaneously heal within half a year (although treatment is often required), in adults it can take a chronic form and have no initial symptoms.
Small red dots, especially on the legs, as well as nosebleeds can indicate trouble
The characteristic symptoms of ITP are all related to bleeding: that’s why at this time small, point-like hemorrhages often appear on the skin, the bleeding will be difficult to stop, blue spots appear on the skin without any particular trauma, nose/gum bleeding and bloody urination may also occur. Since during the course of the disease, blood coagulation is disturbed, therefore the patient is exposed to such dangers as anemia, but in the worst case, life-threatening internal bleeding can occur, so professional treatment is important, he says dr. Zsuzsanna Szélessy, chief hematologist of the Thrombosis Center.
Medicines, injections and surgery may also be discussed
If the existence of ITP is confirmed based on a blood test – and possibly a bone marrow examination – then a treatment depends on the age of the patient and on the severity of the condition. In milder cases, oral preparations are needed, while in more severe cases, the given substances must be administered intravenously (steroid preparations, immunoglobulin). If the therapy does not lead to results, in fact, the number of platelets continues to decrease or is dangerously low, surgical removal of the spleen is necessary – unfortunately, however, this does not always help. There is also a special medicine that stimulates the formation of platelets. This is applied when neither the administration of drugs affecting the immune system nor the removal of the spleen lead to a sufficient number of platelets.
Source: Thrombosis Center
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
