CURRENT CONCEPTS - CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), also referred to as primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura, is defined by a low platelet count, normal bone marrow, and the absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia. This review focuses on ITP and its management in adults. Typically, adult ITP is a chronic disease. Clinical Features Presentation Among adults, ITP is most common in young women: 72 percent of patients over 10 years old are women, and 70 percent of these women are less than 40 years old1. The onset is often insidious. History and physical examination are normal except for symptoms. © 1994, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.