Treatments for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Contents

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Introduction
Treatment list for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Discussion of treatments for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
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Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Introduction

Treatment List for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Watchful waiting - some conditions are mild and require no treatments
Corticosteroids
Prednisone
Immune globulin infusions
Surgical spleen removal
Vincristine
Azathioprine (Imuran)
Danazol
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Platelet transfusions - uncommon and rarely useful; used for internal bleeding or surgery preparation.
Lifestyle changes - to avoid bruising and bleeding in some patients
- Protective gear
- Avoid contact sports

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Is the Diagnosis Correct?

The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura may include:

Hidden causes of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura may be incorrectly diagnosed:

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura:

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Research Doctors & Specialists

Immune-Related Disease Specialists (Immunology):
Skin Health Specialists (Dermatology):
Blood Health Specialists (Hematology):
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Discussion of treatments for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura:

If the doctor thinks a drug is the cause of the thrombocytopenia, standard treatment involves discontinuing the drug's use. Infection, if present, is treated vigorously since control of the infection may result in a return of the platelet count to normal.

The treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is determined by the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, no therapy is needed. In most cases, drugs that alter the immune system's attack on the platelet are prescribed. These include corticosteroids (i.e., prednisone) and/or intravenous infusions of immune globulin. Another treatment that usually results in an increased number of platelet is removal of the spleen, the organ that destroys antibody-coated platelet. Other drugs such as vincristine, azathioprine (Imuran), Danazol, cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine are prescribed for patients only in the severe case where other treatments have not shown benefit since these drugs have potentially harmful side effects.

Except in certain situations, (e.g., internal bleeding and preparation for surgery), platelet transfusions usually are not beneficial and, therefore, are seldom performed. Because all therapies can have risks, it is important that overtreatment (treatment based solely on platelet counts and not on symptoms) be avoided. In some instances lifestyle adjustments may be helpful for prevention of bleeding due to injury. These would include use of protective gear such as helmets and avoidance of contact sports in symptomatic patients or when platelet counts are less than 50,000. Otherwise, patients usually can carry on normal activities, but final decisions about activity should be made in consultation with the patient's hematologist. (Source: excerpt from Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): NIDDK)