Thrombocytopenic purpura
| Thrombocytopenic purpura | |
|---|---|
| Purpura | |
| Pronunciation |
|
| Specialty | Hematology |
| Symptoms | Can be asymptomatic other than purpura, but can also present with gum bleeding and internal hemorrhage |
| Usual onset | Depends on type; found in children and adults |
| Duration | Can be acute or chronic |
| Causes | Immune-mediated, drug-induced, viral, genetic deficiency |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, complete blood counts, peripheral blood smear, possible enzyme assay or autoantibody testing |
Thrombocytopenic purpura are purpura associated with a reduction in circulating thrombocytes, or blood platelets. Thrombocytopenic purpura is split into two categories, immune mediated and non-immune mediated. When thrombocytopenic purpura is immune mediated, it is termed immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or idiopathic thrombocytic purpura. Another subtype is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Most cases of TTP are also immune mediated, though there are a small proportion of cases that are caused by an acquired genetic mutation.