Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

An autoimmune bleeding disorder that is characterized by too few platelets in the blood. Platelets clump together to plug small holes in damaged blood vessels and are necessary for normal clotting. The disease occurs when immune system cells, called lymphocytes, produce antibodies that destroy the body"™s platelets in the spleen. A characteristic skin rash, easy bruising, abnormal menstrual bleeding, or sudden and severe loss of blood from the digestive tract may occur. In children, the disease sometimes follows a viral infection, and usually runs its course without treatment. In adults, it is more often a chronic (long-term) disease and can follow a viral infection, taking certain drugs, pregnancy, or other immune disorders.