What Is ITP?
ITP stands for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Idiopathic means for unknown reasons.
- Thrombocytopenic means too few platelets.
- Purpura means bruises in the skin.
Platelets are also called thrombocytes, meaning cells that form clots. Sometimes ITP is called immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
ITP is a disease that destroys platelets. Platelets are sticky cell fragments in your child's blood that help seal off wounds and form clots to stop bleeding.
In ITP, the child's immune system attacks the platelets. Doctors do not know why this happens. But it means the child has fewer platelets than normal.
ITP in Children
Any child can get ITP. It sometimes begins after a viral infection, but ITP is not an infection itself. You cannot catch ITP from someone else.
Most children with ITP have an acute form, meaning it goes away within six months. For most of these children, it lasts less than four to six weeks. When ITP lasts longer than six months, it is called chronic. Fewer than 25% of children with ITP have the chronic form.
ITP at Seattle Children's
At Children's Hospital, we offer a full range of services to diagnose and treat this disease. If your child has mild ITP, he may not need treatment.
Most children with ITP do not need treatment. Often it goes away on its own in a span of weeks or months. We focus on helping you understand what's happening with your child's platelets and how to know if a more serious problem is developing. If your child does need treatment, our doctors can provide it.
Read more about our experience and treatment of blood diseases through our Hematology Program.